The Liberal Democrats have condemned the Welsh Labour Government over potential further cuts at Powys Teaching Health Board, accusing them of forcing the Health Board to make deep cuts and failing to fund health services in rural areas properly.

A recruitment freeze, fewer agency/locum staff and intentionally increasing waiting times for elective activities such as operations and outpatient appointments in English hospitals are three of the ideas which will be discussed at a meeting on Friday (January 10) as Powys Teaching Health Board faces up to a £9.4m budget deficit.

The Liberal Democrats have been especially critical of plans that may see treatment in England reduced or waiting lists for treatment in England increased.

Commenting on the developments, Welsh Liberal Democrat Senedd Member Jane Dodds said: “I am very disappointed by the news that the Powys Teaching Health Board will once again be forced to make cuts thanks to the financial recklessness of the Welsh Labour Government.

“We cannot expect our health boards to continue to operate under these conditions, the Welsh Government must realise that it is not the job of staff and patients to clean up the mess they have made.

“This cannot stand, we need to make sure that our healthcare services in Powys are receiving ample funding to ensure that we are meeting the medical needs of residents.”

Adding his comments, Welsh Liberal Democrat MP for Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe David Chadwick said: “We have already seen unacceptable cuts to local health services over the last several years, including the downgrading of Minor Injuries Units just a few months ago. It is completely unsustainable to expect communities to deal with yet more cuts to local services.

“Just a few months ago the Welsh Secretary promised to use English hospitals to drive down waiting times, now they are presiding over a potential massive reduction in those very services.

“Welsh Labour must stop forcing the Health Board to make these dramatic cuts and properly fund health care services in Powys. That means recognising the challenges in delivering services in rural areas like ours.

“I will continue to stand up for my residents' right to access healthcare locally and without the extensive delays.”