Politicians have said the changes to the hospitals in Powys will “undoubtedly create significant problems”.

There has been cross party criticism of the changes made to hospital in Powys which will see the shortening of hours at the minor injury units in Llandrindod Wells and Brecon.

As well as this, two hospital wards in Llanidloes (War Memorial Hospital) and Bronllys will now specialise in getting patients fit and ready to go home in a move that has proved controversial with local GPs.

READ MORE: Highly respected Powys GP says hospital plans would 'downgrade' care

Montgomeryshire MP, Steve Witherden, said he was deeply concerned about the changes  and would be working with others to improve healthcare in the county.

"As I said in my previous letter to PTHB, there is nothing so permanent as a temporary solution," said Mr Witherden.

"The fact that people in Mid Wales have to rely on services that fall under different health boards masks the decline in capacity across the region. Healthcare in Mid Wales is already cut to the bone, and we are seeing it cut even further. Living in a rural area should not preclude you from access to local healthcare.

"I repeat my calls to PTHB to drop the proposal and will be speaking with councillors, mayors, healthcare staff, and other stakeholders about next steps, as well as meeting with Welsh Government to discuss this issue and the wider subject of healthcare provision across Mid Wales."

MP for Brecon and Radnorshire David Chadwick blasted the move and said: “This is a very worrying development from the Powys Teaching Health Board which will undoubtedly create significant problems for local residents when it comes to accessing healthcare services.

“Residents of Powys should not have to deal with the mess created by a series of neglectful Welsh Labour Ministers in Cardiff Bay.

“Welsh Labour’s legacy of failure in running the NHS in Wales is a shameful indictment of a political party that has forgotten its roots, the people of Wales deserve far better."

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Montgomeryshire MS Russell George was also highly critical of the decision and accused the Health Board of ignoring the views of the public.

“Not only did members of the public outline their significant concerns about the health boards plans to make changes to the provision of services at Llanidloes Hospital, but it was clear from the public meeting in August that I and hundreds of others attended, that current and former GPs, and other local health professionals opposed the Health Boards plans also,” said Mr George.

“The concern remains what the Health Board refer to as a temporary change to the provision, will become permanent.

“A further concern is that a downgrading of services, will make it more difficult to retain and recruit staff.

“I hope to be called to raise again with the First Minister in the Senedd.”

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The Health Board made the changes amid budgetary pressures which will see it face deficit of over £20 million, and the board has said there have been changes made due to public feedback.

Hayley Thomas, chief executive of Powys Teaching Health Board, said: “Today’s decisions also included key steps to respond to the concerns that we heard during the engagement period, for example by clarifying that end of life care will continue to be provided in Bronllys and Llanidloes hospitals, and step-up care will continue to be available for GP admissions.

"We will be working with GPs and other partners to implement clear clinical admission criteria to help us provide the best care in the right place for Powys patients.”