Montgomeryshire AM, Russell George, has called for an expansion of health services in Newtown. Mr George said he has been in talks with Powys Local Health Board about increasing the Shropdoc services based in Newtown, as well as developing facilities in the town to deliver minor operations.
Commenting Mr George said:
“We simply cannot impose urban solutions in a rural area like Montgomeryshire. People living in Mid Wales should have the same access to health services as in any other part of Wales or the UK.
“I believe Powys Health Board must examine a range of primary and secondary health services it delivers in Montgomeryshire and bring forward some innovative solutions, which will provide the flexibility that people are looking for.”
“In terms of primary care, I would really like to see the expansion of the Shropdoc service and I was pleased by some of the proposals put forward by health officials in our recent meeting.”
“People in and around Newtown value the Shropdoc service and want to see the hours lengthened, especially over the early evening and the weekend. I would certainly welcome the expansion of the service to a Saturday morning.”
“I had the privilege to be with the Health Minister a few weeks ago when she opened the new stroke rehabilitation centre in Newtown, which will provide an integrated rehabilitation service for patients who have had a stroke for both inpatients and outpatients. Locating this service at Newtown hospital was a big boost for the town.”
“For people who live in the Newtown catchment area, having the facilities in Newtown to deliver minor operations should be the next focus for the Powys Local Health Board.”
“There has been a strong feeling in Newtown that we have been let down when it comes to health services; however, with the recent opening of the stroke rehabilitation centre in Newtown I hope this is a sign of change.”
“I intend to continue to work constructively with the local health board and the Welsh Government, to see that Newtown builds on this success.”
