The review will try and find the best way to provide services

The six-month long review of Breconshire War Memorial Hospital by the new Powys Local Health Board has come about because of concerns about the future of service provision at the 70-bed hospital.

Last year a move by the now defunct Powys NHS Health Care Trust to stop people with heart disease being treated at the hospital was shelved after a public campaign.

In overall terms, the feeling amongst the local GPs and in the community more widely is that the services in the hospital have been in decline Andy Williams, local health board

"The problem with not letting people with heart disease be treated at this hospital is that the symptoms cannot be diagnosed until they are at the hospital," said Dr Arwyn Davies, a local GP who is also a heart specialist at the hospital.

"Patients would then have had to be sent down the A40 to the Nevill Hall at Abergavenny during the initial hours of the problem when they would be at most danger."

Healthcare scope reduction

Dr Davies added that the hospital, with 70 beds was bigger than other community hospitals in Powys.

In a report to PLHB on 9 April, chief executive Andy Williams, said the development of national frameworks and the introduction of clinical governance had led to service changes and reductions in healthcare scope at the hospital.

"In overall terms, the feeling amongst the local GPs and in the community more widely is that the services in the hospital have been in decline," said Mr Williams.

A review group has now been established and includes representatives from local medical practices, PLHB, the hospital's League of Friends and Brecnock and Radnor Community Health Council.

Brecon GPs will also take part in the review

As well as considering the health needs of the local population, the review group will also discuss with Brecon GPs how to care most effectively for people with heart disease.

"We want to ensure the best use is being made of this valuable resource," said Mr Williams.

"We want to develop the hospital in a way which meets local needs in a largely rural community at the same time as acknowledging that patients are entitled to the same high standards of care and treatment wherever they live."

The review group will produce its draft recommendations by the end of July with informal consultation taking place in September.

The final recommendations are due to be presented to PLHB at the end of October.

The Powys Local Health Board came into existence on 1 April under a Wales-wide reorganisation of health services.