Talgart Town Council Public Meeting 2/11/06
Over a hundred residents turned out on a cold November night to continue the protest against Powys LHB proposals. The importance was demonstrated by the local Women's Institute moving their AGM so members could attend!
The meeting was organised by Talgarth Town Council. Speakers included, Councillor
Malcolm Dodds, Councillor William Powell, local GP Dr Peter Howard, local
AM Kirsty Williams and local MP Mr Roger Williams. Representatives from Builth
Wells and Llanidloes were also present as was Suzy Davies (Con). Andy Williams’s
non-attendance was noted.
The Standard of care at Bronllys and other threatened hospitals was praised,
in particular palliative care and the stroke unit. It was accepted that healthcare
provision is not static and that change in some form is inevitable. All would
support change as long as it resulted in better healthcare services.
All speakers expressed their dismay at Powys LHB proposals.
Effective bed numbers would be reduced and concentrated in Brecon, Llandrindod and Newtown. This increased pressure would have Powys wide consequences. For example: no Brecon bed available for a Brecon patient. Points were made at the lack of information in the plans - lack of statistics, lack of costings, and lack of reference to public and professional views.
The unanimous decision was that the proposals were based on financial reasoning
only and why close clinical units providing effective, valued, clinical care?
Powys LHB had failed to deliver an acceptable package of positive change. Current
services should remain until something better was proposed.
From the floor there were calls for a united front from community, councils,
clinicians and politicians. Fundraising was discussed, as were press, poster
and banner campaigns. It was agreed that coaches would be sent to the CHANT launch
at the Welsh Assembly. Further lobbying would take place of non-executive LHB
members and also LHB meetings.
Positive protest continues......