PLANS to develop Machynlleth’s Bro Ddyfi Hospital would lead to hospital improvements and ensure Dyfi Valley patients could receive more services in the area, it has been claimed.

Powys Teaching Health Board is drawing up a business case for funding from the Welsh Government for a redevelopment of the hospital that would see the hospital modernised and allow closer working between agencies such as the health board, Powys Council and voluntary services­.

The plan has been backed by Hywel Dda Health Board which has said it would enable the health board to provide outpatient services at Machynlleth for patients who receive treatment at Bronglais Hospital and ensure that patients could receive more services without having to travel.

A report that went before the Hywel Dda board said: “The development aims to modernise the facility, integrate primary care, local authority, social, voluntary, third sector, physical and mental well-being services and provide facilities for general medical services, ambulatory and outpatient services.

“Areas of particular note for Hywel Dda are the importance of consultant outpatient outreach to Machynlleth to promote care being provided as locally as possible to patients, whilst also providing a clear pathway for patients to be treated at Bronglais; options to utilise the radiology facilities to maximise diagnosis in the community; and the need to work in partnership with a range of agencies to address the needs of the ageing population in the area who access services from Hywel Dda, in order that these are provided in as seamless a way as possible.”

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