Ystradgynlais residents protest proposed hospital bed cuts

Hundreds of residents gathered in Ystradgynlais to protest proposed cuts to hospital beds at Ystradgynlais Community Hospital. The public meeting, organized by Welsh Liberal Democrat MP David Chadwick, Senedd Member Jane Dodds, and Councillor Susan Grounds, reached fire-safety capacity, forcing many attendees to listen from the street through open doors and windows.

The proposals would see beds removed from the community hospital and centralized at only two locations in Powys: Brecon and Newtown. Opponents argue that this centralization would force families in the Swansea Valley to undertake long drives and could leave patients stuck in larger acute hospitals for longer periods.

During the meeting, medical professionals, including nurses and GPs, spoke about the importance of community hospitals in supporting patient recovery closer to home and easing pressure on larger facilities. The Welsh Liberal Democrats are calling on the Powys Teaching Health Board and the Welsh Government to reconsider the plans, citing concerns that reducing local capacity will strain the existing health and social care system.