Protests in Ceredigion over claims two hospitals could close

Fears had been raised that a financial crisis could temporarily close Builth Wells hospital, but Powys Local Health Board (LHB) chief executive Andy Williams said it would not shut.

Brecon and Radnorshire MP Roger Williams said he was relieved.

Last month, Builth Wells was one of three hospitals which the LHB was looking at closing temporarily.

The board must make savings of �6.9m by March 2006.

Last month, Brecon and Radnor Community Health Council (CHC) said the budget deficit in Powys could result in the temporary closure of hospitals in Llanidloes, Bronllys near Brecon, and Builth Wells.

He said it would be impractical and against the wishes of people Bryn Williams

But CHC chief officer Bryn Williams said the LHB had stressed that this would be a "last resort".

Mr Williams, who was at the meeting in Builth Wells, said: "Andy Williams allayed people's fears about the future of the hospital.

"He spoke very well and said there would be no short-term closure of the hospital.

"He said it would be impractical and against the wishes of people and the money saved would be negligible."

Mr Williams added that the chief executive even spoke of expanding the hospital in the south Powys town.

Powys LHB has also had problems recruiting nurses

Powys LHB has already made savings of �5.5m, but a �1.4m shortfall remains.

The LHB said it had "nothing new to say" about the Builth Wells issue.

Last month, the CHC said new GP and consultants' contracts, new out-of-hours services, an increased drugs bill and extra money for the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital to treat Welsh patients had all taken effect on the LHB's budget.

Similar public meetings have been held in Ceredigion about the future of Tregaron and Cardigan hospitals in the past week.

The fears surrounding the two hospitals arose after Ceredigion AM Elin Jones claimed Ceredigion and Mid Wales NHS Trust faced a budget shortfall of �1.1m.

However, the trust said no decision had been taken, but it and Ceredigion LHB were looking at options for saving money.