Powys LHB says it has been "experiencing nurse recruitment problems"

Sickness among nurses at Builth Wells means health chiefs have temporarily shut the minor injuries unit overnight although it is open during the day.

Powys Local Health Board (LHB) said it had been "experiencing nurse recruitment problems".

The move comes three weeks after a mental health unit was temporarily closed at Llandrindod Wells hospital.

A Powys LHB spokesman said: "Powys LHB has for some time been experiencing nurse recruitment problems.

"We have to put our hospitalised patients' safety first and unfortunately, due to staff sickness at Builth Wells hospital, we are unable to provide an overnight minor injuries service there at this time.

'Staffing difficulties'

"We are keeping the position under regular review."

On 2 September, Powys LHB said a shortage of nursing staff was forcing the closure at the five-bed Llangwyn mental health unit at Llandrindod Wells hospital.

In July, a lack of nurses forced a minor injuries unit at Newtown hospital to close overnight for 10 weeks.

Powys Local Health Board blamed "nurse staffing difficulties" in the unit.

Earlier this month, a health watchdog urged Powys LHB to make it "more attractive" for people to work in the county, in terms of bursaries and accommodation.