Local AM urges Health Board to clarify hospital plans

10.41.15am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 29th Aug 2006

Welsh Liberal Democrat AM for Brecon and Radnorshire, Kirsty Williams, is to meet with Powys Local Health Board (LHB) to discuss the future of hospitals in the area.

The meeting has been arranged following a period of intense speculation and confusion over which hospitals, if any, might be forced to close, and where services will be provided in future.

Ms Williams said: "I share the concerns of my constituents over the future of our important community facilities and am appalled at the way the LHB have gone back on promises previously made to the public.

"Providing healthcare in rural areas is a challenge, but I believe it can be done without the need to see facilities lost from our communities, or hospitals closed without replacement premises. I find it unacceptable that the Health Board is only considering closures as an option, and shall be making my feelings clear to the Chairman and Chief Executive of the LHB when I meet them on September 1st."