Bronllys Well Being Park CLT is holding a health and wellbeing forum in order to provide an opportunity to discuss increasingly pressing local issues in the county.

The event will take place on Thursday, October 3.

Of particular concern is the future of Bronllys Community Hospital in the light of recent announcements by Powys Teaching Health Board.

Proposed changes include the re-designation of two wards for what is described as a temporary period.

Local people have expressed their worries that - based on recent experience elsewhere in the health service - these may well turn out to be permanent closures and in realty be part of a downgrading of Bronllys Community Hospital services “by stealth”.

To discuss these concerns, outline the facts and hopefully reassure local communities that the essential and highly valued facilities at Bronllys Community Hospital are safe, the forum is pleased to welcome onto its Panel: David Chadwick, MP for Brecon, Radnor & Cwm Tawe, Hayley Thomas, CEO Powys Teaching Health Board, Cllr James Gibson-Watt, Leader Powys County Council, Matt Perry, Powys County Council, Claire White, Cwmpas, and Sharon Healey, PAVO.

Jacqui Wilding, Chair of BWBP said: “For some years now we have been concerned about the future of health and well being provision in our area, particularly the likely future of Bronllys Community Hospital. It is in danger of becoming a controversial issue.

“We hope that this Forum will provide an opportunity for the health coard to reassure us and clarify, once and for all, their plans for the hospital at Bronllys and how they intend to involve the local communities in the unfolding of its future.

“We hope too that local people will come to express their concerns and hopes.” 

Under the health board’s plans, Bronllys and Llanidloes will be designated as “Ready To Go Home” units and Brecon and Newtown will take on an expanded role to support patients who need more specialised inpatient rehabilitation.

The forum will be held at 7pm on Thursday, October 3 at Talgarth Town Hall (LD3 0AF).

Refreshments will be served at the event.

Early arrival is advised due to high levels of interest in the health board’s plans.