Ystradgynlais' X-ray unit to re-open on Friday – and Brecon's now temporarily closed
The X-ray unit at Ystradgynlais Community Hospital will be re-opening this Friday (21st February, 2025) after having new digital equipment installed.
And the unit at Brecon War Memorial Hospital is now temporarily closed while the state of the art equipment is installed there.
While this installation work is taking place, patients who need X-rays are being redirected to another of the health board’s community hospitals. In addition, Llandrindod Wells’ hospital is temporarily offering a limited weekend cover while Brecon is temporarily closed.
The work is part of a £1.7m Welsh Government funded programme to install new X-ray units in community hospitals. The new units produce faster, clearer images and all installations are due to be finished in the Spring.
As well as providing quicker results and more accurate diagnoses, the new machines will also help to reduce waiting times for X-rays. This in turn will improve access to treatment. The new X-ray machines also use a lower dose of radiation than the existing machines, which in turn reduces the radiation exposure for patients.
The first phase began in November and Welshpool and Llandrindod Wells have already re-opened.
Claire Madsen, Executive Director for Allied Health Professionals, Health Sciences at Powys Teaching Health Board said: “Again, I’d like to thank people for their patience while we install this new equipment. Now that Welshpool and Llandrindod Wells have re-opened , we are already seeing a much improved service there and I am sure that this will be replicated elsewhere as we move through the programme.”
Ms Madsen added: “I’d also like to remind everyone that when X-ray departments are closed, that other radiology services in these hospitals - such as ultrasound - will be unaffected and will continue to be available. I should also mention that if you have a minor injury then we continue to encourage you to phone first for clinical advice. Our clinical team will be able to provide advice over the phone to help you access the treatment you need.”
The phone numbers for the hospital based Minor Injury Units are:
- Brecon: 01874 615800
- Llandrindod Wells: 01597 828735
- Welshpool: 01938 558919 and 558931
- Ystradgynlais: 01639 844777
Photo: The new equipment at the Llandrindod Wells X-ray unit.