Welshpool electors overwhelmingly oppose proposed hospital service cuts

  Published on 23 October 2026

Welshpool residents have delivered a clear message to Powys Teaching Health Board following a statutory Community Meeting held at Welshpool Town Hall on Thursday 22 October 2026, convened by the Mayor of Welshpool, Cllr Revd William Rowell.

The meeting attracted 172 attendees, including 101 eligible local government electors, and provided an opportunity for residents to express their concerns regarding the Health Board's Better Together proposals. Contributions were heard from Elwyn Vaughan MS, County Councillor Richard Church and a statement from Steve Witherden MP, read on his behalf by Cllr David France, alongside numerous contributions from local residents and healthcare professionals.

Following the discussion, electors voted overwhelmingly against the proposed changes. 93 voted against the closure of inpatient beds, with just one in favour, while 92 opposed the removal of the Minor Injuries Unit and X-ray services at Victoria Memorial Hospital, with one in favour and one blank or rejected ballot. A further vote saw 93 electors support a call for the Welsh Government and Senedd to halt and review the Better Together Programme, with just one against.

Throughout the meeting, concerns were raised regarding the distances patients would need to travel for alternative healthcare, the pressures on neighbouring hospitals, the impact on social care and the importance of maintaining accessible services for rural communities. Residents also highlighted the longstanding contribution of the League of Friends and shared personal experiences of the importance of local hospital provision.

The Mayor thanked everyone who attended and encouraged residents to continue making their views known through the Health Board's consultation process.

The ballot results represent the views of participating Welshpool electors and are not binding on Powys Teaching Health Board.

The full signed minutes of the meeting, including the ballot questions and results, are available here: https://democracy.welshpooltowncouncil.gov.uk/docs/cm-minutes-221026-signed-1792744395.pdf