Machynlleth hospital has been at the centre of controversy for months

The elderly mentally infirm (EMI) unit at Ysbyty Bro Ddyfi in Machynlleth will shut on Monday for three months.

But a health watchdog said it feared the temporary closure could spell the end for the ward.

Pensioners from the Machynlleth area requiring hospital treatment for the next 12 weeks will be treated in Newtown, some 29 miles away.

The county's Local Health Board (LHB) is also experiencing staffing problems at Newtown hospital's Fan Gorau EMI unit too, it said.

Machynlleth hospital's staff problems have been at the centre of local controversy for months. Wards have temporarily closed in the past due to illness and staff shortages.

The CHC has sent a letter to the regional office of the NHS in Carmarthen Cllr Michael Williams

The chairman of Montgomeryshire Community Health Council (CHC), Paul Harris, said he feared for the future of Machynlleth's EMI unit.

"We have a feeling that [the LHB] would like the EMI unit in Machynlleth to stay closed after the three months and concentrate things in Newtown," he said.

"The LHB has enormous problems staffing Machynlleth hospital."

Powys Local Health Board confirmed it had staffing problems at EMI inpatient units at Machynlleth and Newtown hospitals.

A spokeswoman said: "As a consequence of the staffing difficulties, the local health board recognises that it needs to operate a different model of care in the Machynlleth area.

Machynlleth hospital has been at the centre of controversy for months

"We will strengthen community services and support for EMI patients in that area, for a three-month period, whilst enabling EMI inpatient services to be focused on the EMI unit at Newtown for patients needing admission to hospital."

She said: "If, after the three-month period, the model of care at Machynlleth provides a better service, the local health board may talk with Montgomery Community Health Council about a permanent change in services."

Machynlleth councillor Michael Williams, who is also vice-chairman of the CHC, said: "The CHC has sent a letter to the regional office of the NHS in Carmarthen about the issue. The ward will be closed on Monday."

Cllr Williams added that in light of the latest developments at the hospital a pressure group had been formed.

In August last year, the LHB warned that speculation about the demise of the community hospital in Machynlleth was making it difficult to recruit staff.