A Welsh politician has raised concerns over the 'erosion of services' in rural areas.
James Evans, MS for Brecon and Radnorshire, questioned the Welsh Government about what they are doing to tackle 'poor healthcare provision' across rural Wales.
Leading a debate in the Senedd, Mr Evans discussed the decline of services over the past few years, including the most recent cuts to the opening hours of Brecon and Llandrindod Wells War Memorial Hospital’s minor injury units, and the downgrading of hospital wards.
Mr Evans said: "Although we’ve had some success with improvements in stroke rehabilitation services and the new mobile dental unit currently based at Hay-on-Wye, we have sadly seen an erosion of frontline services.
"Whether that be our minor injury units, the closure of Crug Ward for dementia patients, Knighton Hospital being downgraded to a smaller respite unit, and now the loss of more than 15 beds at Nevill Hall Hospital in neighbouring Abergavenny.
"These are devastating blows to the people of mid Wales as we head into the harshest winter months.
"Dementia care requires immediate attention.
"Only 40 per cent of those with dementia in Powys have a formal diagnosis.
"This is shocking."
The Welsh politician also called for a 'more coordinated' approach between Wales’ seven health boards to ensure patients waiting for treatment can be seen in various other health boards.
He said: "It’s wrong that an 80-year-old resident in Abercrave has to travel to Telford for an ophthalmology macular appointment because bureaucracy stops them from being seen 15 minutes down the road in Swansea.
"It’s about time Welsh Labour got a grip of our NHS and take a more collaborative and coordinated approach between our seven health boards and ensure patients can be seen efficiently and effectively."
He also emphasised the importance of GPs in the healthcare system.
He said: "The role that GPs have in providing our healthcare cannot be underestimated.
"GPs are the backbone of our NHS, yet many tell me they feel like they are battling health boards at every turn, feeling that their innovative project ideas are stymied by them.
"The Welsh Government must strengthen the roles of GPs in providing quality healthcare service across Wales and listen to their suggestions, their ideas on how best to make improvements."
"The NHS is not a sacred cow and should not be immune from change."
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