Powys Teaching Health Board has acknowledged that it operates the oldest healthcare building estate of any health board in Wales, as it makes the case for controversial changes to local NHS services.

In a statement published on Monday, 2 November, the health board outlined the pressures affecting healthcare provision across the county, including ageing infrastructure, workforce shortages and increasing demand.

The admission comes amid an ongoing public consultation on proposals affecting community hospitals, urgent care, diagnostics and adult mental health services.

The health board says its existing model of care cannot continue unchanged if services are to remain safe and sustainable.

Among the challenges identified are difficulties recruiting specialist staff, rising operating costs and the growing number of older patients requiring complex care.

The board also acknowledges that Powys residents face substantial travelling distances to access treatment, particularly when services are provided outside the county.

This is a significant concern for rural communities around Llanidloes and Rhayader, where changes to local hospital provision have already prompted opposition.

The board says some services rely on small numbers of specialist staff, making them vulnerable when vacancies arise.

It argues that greater emphasis on prevention, community-based treatment and care delivered closer to patients' homes could reduce unnecessary hospital admissions.

However, the proposals have raised concerns about whether reorganising services could leave vulnerable residents travelling further for treatment.

The health board maintains that retaining the existing arrangements would not resolve the challenges facing rural healthcare.

Its Better Together consultation, which opened on 5 October, seeks public views on the proposed changes before decisions are made.

Thirteen local engagement events and three online sessions are being held to allow residents to question officials and discuss the proposals.

The consultation remains open until 10 January 2027, with the health board encouraging patients, carers and local communities to participate.