MEMBERS of the public are being offered £40 to attend consultation events about the future of hospitals in mid Wales.

The payments are being offered to people aged between 16 and 34, by consultants Opinion Research Services, which is carrying out the consultation on behalf of Hywel Dda Health Board.

The health board, which is facing a massive financial overspend, said the payments are offered to cover expenses and to ensure that people are not stopped from taking part in engagement events across the county.

The health board is seeking feedback for its Transforming Clinical Services programme and says the payments will ensure that nobody has to miss out on attending events because of financial reasons.

Information on the health board’s website said: “Financial constraints should not be a barrier to people having their voices heard, and an incentive payment is routinely used to compensate people for giving up several hours of their time and to cover any necessary expenses for travel and childcare etc.

“The level of £40 is lower than would often be used elsewhere in market research and is necessary for the reasons already outlined."

A spokesperson added: “ORS are targeting certain demographics who are currently underrepresented in feedback given so far."

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