Campaign to build hospital for Mid Wales

The council's care committee has revealed the idea ahead of Wednesday's full council, when councillors will discuss the possibility of sending letters out to all town and community councillors in the area to gauge the public's views on the idea.

Currently people needing emergency care go to the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, however some patients in south Montgomeryshire go to Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth.

Councillors and politicians have previously called for a hospital or emergency services to be delivered in Mid Wales.

Welshpool mayor, councillor Stephen Kaye is one of those who would support the idea, and is keen to get the backing of residents in towns and villages across Montgomeryshire.

He said: "We are floating the idea around, we have contacted Newtown, and will discuss it on Wednesday and then contact other councils.

"There is a great need for emergency care here in Mid Wales, to serve the people of Mid Wales.

Border

"In the past it has been said there would be problems about the population number and money, but I personally feel there is a need for it in Mid Wales.

"There is a local feeling in Welshpool at the moment that there needs to be emergency care.

"In our recent survey about health in Shropshire, it showed people wanted emergency care in Shrewsbury.

"By exploring this idea, it could bring patients into Mid Wales to use facilities, rather than people here going over the border all the time."

Cross border health, and health services in Mid Wales have been a hot topic for politicians and residents in the town for many years.

On Monday, Newtown Town Council discussed Welshpool's campaign, however they declined to support the idea.

Due to Powys Teaching Health Board looking into the idea of installing a health hub in Newtown, councillors felt talk of a Mid Wales Hospital would spark unnecessary public expectation, and be counter productive to the health board's plans.