James Evans said the NHS “should not be immune from change” during a debate on rural healthcare in the Senedd this week.

The Brecon and Radnorshire MS led the short debate on the future of healthcare in rural Wales, highlighting significant challenges faced by communities in Powys and beyond.

Over the course of the debate, Mr Evans touched on a number of issues including the erosion of frontline services in rural Wales, highlighting the downgrading of hospitals like Knighton, and Crug Ward in Brecon, and cuts to Minor Injury Units.

He also criticised inefficiencies within the healthcare system, pointing out that patients in rural areas are often forced to travel long distances for appointments, and called for a more coordinated approach between health boards to improve service delivery.

Mr Evans said patients are being “stranded in a web of bureaucracy and needless travel” and the NHS is “buckling under pressure”.

“Our health boards may be under budgetary pressures, but there is no excuse for mismanagement,” he said.

The MS urged the Welsh Government to take a more active role in addressing the issues, calling for stronger oversight of health boards and a unified approach to healthcare delivery.

Mr Evans also emphasised the critical role of GP practices in rural communities, which he warned are often struggling against health boards to provide even basic care.

Dementia care also requires “immediate attention”, warned Mr Evans.

“In rural Powys, only 40 per cent of those living with dementia have received a formal diagnosis - that's shocking,” he said.

Mr Evans concluded his remarks with a call for bold reform of Wales' healthcare system.

“The NHS is not a sacred cow,” he told the Senedd.

“It should not be immune from change.”

Mr Evans said the people of rural Wales “deserve better”.

“It’s time to prioritise front-line services, invest in our GPs, and deliver the healthcare our communities deserve and deliver the NHS that we all need for the future.”

In response, Jeremy Miles, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, acknowledged the challenges raised by Mr Evans but defended the Welsh Government's efforts to improve rural healthcare provision.

“My vision is that everyone should be able to access quality NHS care as close to home as possible, wherever they live in Wales,” said Mr Miles.

He said the Welsh Government is continuing to work with the NHS to move more care out of hospitals, in line with long-term plans.

“This does include investing in digital, in equipment and in services, investing in our NHS workforce, especially attracting healthcare professionals into rural areas, and in our NHS estate as well, and providing strategic guidance to health boards to plan local services,” said Mr Miles.

He outlined several initiatives aimed at improving healthcare access, including a £1.7 million investment in digital x-ray equipment for Powys and the ongoing rollout of electronic prescriptions across Wales, which will help facilitate quicker access to medications, particularly in border areas.

Mr Miles also highlighted the Welsh Government's support for Powys Teaching Health Board's efforts to improve its estate, including a £4.2 million award to install solar panels, heating systems, and LED lighting in hospitals across the county, and a programme of essential improvements at Llandrindod Wells Memorial Hospital.

The Minister also pointed to a new initiative by Health Education and Improvement Wales to encourage dental trainees to work in rural practices, which includes financial incentives and career development support. He explained that the initiative is part of a broader strategy to attract and retain healthcare professionals in rural areas.