Powys must not be dwarfed under new NHS plans

6.00.00pm GMT Tue 7th Oct 2008

Kirsty Williams AM for Brecon & Radnorshire has called upon the Minister to ensure that Powys' interests are not 'lost' within the planned NHS restructuring.

Seven new 'health delivery bodies' will replace the existing trusts and 22 Local Health Boards, one of which will be Powys.

Kirsty Williams AM for Brecon and Radnorshire said: "Powys will potentially become a small part of the jigsaw puzzle in these plans and it is essential that it is not swallowed up by the other delivery bodies.

"Powys is different - it has the challenge of delivering to a relatively small but aging population across a huge geographical area, with no District General Hospital and instead a number of much cherished and much loved community hospitals.

"We have had a number of problems over the years, particularly around clinical governance and funding - but these are now being addressed by local people who have an understanding of the specific local issues. I welcome the fact that the Minister has recognised the importance of this in her proposals but have concerns that Powys must not be dwarfed amongst the other 6 bodies.

"Throughout the restructuring process I will be lobbying the Minister to ensure that the new Powys delivery body will have equal voice within the structure and that its special circumstances will be considered through out."

Notes:

The Minister's statement made on the 30th September can be found at: http://new.wales.gov.uk/news/latest/080930nextsteps/?lang=en