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Update on Temporary Service Changes

Update on 28 April 2025

During Summer 2024, Powys Teaching Health Board undertook a period of engagement on proposals for a number of temporary changes to health services in the county.

The following temporary changes were agreed at a meeting of the Health Board on 10 October 2024 for implementation for a six month period:

  • The Minor Injuries Unit in Brecon to open from 8am to 8pm (previously 24 hours although the service was subject to frequent overnight closures at short notice)
  • The Minor Injuries Unit in Llandrindod Wells to open from 8am to 8pm (previously 7am to midnight although the service was subject to frequent early closures at short notice)
  • Graham Davies Ward in Llanidloes to have a strengthened focus on patients who are assessed as Ready To Go Home
  • Brynheulog Ward in Newtown to have a strengthened focus on patients who are assessed as requiring more specialised rehabilitation in a community hospital setting
  • Llewelyn Ward in Bronllys to have a strengthened focus on patients who are assessed as Ready To Go Home
  • Epynt Ward in Brecon to have a strengthened focus on patients who are assessed as requiring more specialised rehabilitation in a community hospital setting.

These changes were fully implemented from early December 2024, and further information about the services currently in place is available from our website:

Why were these temporary changes introduced?

NHS services in Powys face a number of challenges to their safety and sustainability. For example, too many patients are spending too long in hospital beds but are waiting for a package of care in the community. Evidence shows that 10 days in hospital can lead to the equivalent of 10 years’ worth of ageing in the muscles of people over 80 years old. This is also known as ‘deconditioning’. It can have a significant impact on an older person. Our ‘Ready To Go Home’ units mean that we can provide more focused care, helping people to remain mobile and active.

Review and Evaluation of the Temporary Changes

The temporary changes were introduced in December 2024. Since then we have ensured that they are kept under ongoing review for issues such as safety, patient experience and clinical outcomes. Updates on this work are presented to every meeting of the Board. The next assurance report is due on 21 May 2025.

During June and July we will be able to fully evaluate the impact that these temporary changes have had over a six month period.

Recommendations on the next steps are due to be presented to the Health Board on 30 July 2025.

Shaping the Future of Safe, Quality Health Services for Powys

Central to the decisions made by the Health Board on 10 October 2024 was a commitment to work with patients and communities to agree the future permanent shape of safe and sustainable health services in the county.

This work is under way through the Better Together programme. During May we are keen to hear from patients and communities across Powys about the opportunities and challenges for health services in Powys. The needs and experiences of the people of Powys will help us to shape the future of safe, quality health services.

More information is available from our Better Together Engagement Hub.