Wales healthcare petitions grow over rural hospital and surgery concerns

Petitions have emerged in Wales as residents campaign to protect rural healthcare services and community facilities.

In Powys, a petition calling for the Senedd to investigate rural healthcare has gathered over 6,300 signatures. The movement seeks a full inquiry into healthcare provision to prevent the loss of hospital beds, facilities, and community hospital closures. Supporters argue that reducing Powys to 60 community hospital beds would fail to meet the needs of a rural county lacking a district general hospital or hospice, potentially leading to longer journeys and increased emergency admissions.

In Ceredigion, a separate petition has gained nearly 600 signatures in an effort to save the New Quay Surgery. The campaign follows the resignation of the practice’s General Medical Services contract by GP partners. While the Hywel Dda University Health Board is considering the long-term future of the surgery, patients will continue to receive services as normal until March 31, 2027. Local officials have noted that losing the surgery would significantly impact vulnerable residents and those with limited transport access.