Report 'must not shut hospitals'

Powys GP Richard Walters said it was hard to disagree with the report

A damning report about failing patient safety standards at Powys hospitals should not be used to close them, says one local AM.

Brecon and Radnorshire AM Kirsty Williams has written to Health Minister Edwina Hart after an NHS investigation found a "series of serious incidents".

She said the NHS Clinical Governance Support and Development Unit's report should lead to services developing.

Meanwhile, a Powys GP said it was difficult to disagree with the report.

The NHS Clinical Governance Support and Development Unit (CGSDU) investigation into 10 community hospitals in the county revealed they were unable to meet standards.

The report was the second phase of an inquiry, which was ordered by former Health Minister Brian Gibbons in March 2007 after complaints were made about Powys Local Health Board (LHB).

I have written to Edwina Hart calling for her reassurance that this report will not be used to close our community hospitals Kirsty Williams AM

The CGSDU recommended that hospital services in Powys should be transferred to other areas as soon as possible.

Ms Williams said: "I have written to Edwina Hart calling for her reassurance that this report will not be used to close our community hospitals and I am meeting with Judith Paget, chief executive of Powys LHB next Wednesday.

She said there were "clearly some concerning issues raised within the report about the safe delivery of health and care services across Powys".

"Whilst I fully recognise that these issues need to be addressed it is essential that this report is used as the stimulus to develop services in our community hospitals and increase the support for our hard working staff and not be used as an excuse to close our facilities."

Builth Wells GP Richard Walters, who was part of an action group fighting to save the town's hospital, said it was "very difficult to fundamentally disagree with the report".

'Terminal'

"Here in Builth we have already taken on board many of the recommendations," he added.

"For example, we no longer admit acutely ill patients to our cottage hospital - concentrating more on terminal and nursing home type care.

"Furthermore, a major reconfiguration of services in Builth is planned in the near future using a health and social care model, the Builth Project."

Powys LHB is working with other organisations, like the county council, to help deliver health care.

Coun Rosemarie Harris, who is responsible for adult services, said: "The county council is looking forward to strengthening its working relationship with the local health board as it responds to this challenging report."

Powys LHB said the report was "fair, thorough, albeit hard hitting".