Plaid Cymru will not commit to a pre-election pledge to develop Bronglais Hospital as a 'centre of rural healthcare excellence', campaigners have been told.

The Welsh Government wrote to campaign group Protect Bronglais Services (PBS) this week in response to the group's questions about its commitment to the Aberystwyth hospital.

Ahead of May's Senedd elections, Elin Jones and Mabon ap Gwynfor pledged to save services at Bronglais Hospital by resurrecting a decade-long ambition to turn it into a Hospital of Rural Excellence.

Now in Government with Ms Jones as Finance Secretary and Mr ap Gwynfor given the health portfolio, PBS wrote to Mr ap Gwynfor following the election to push him towards keeping the promise.

In a letter to PBS, Welsh Government staff said Mr ap Gwynfor “understands the strength of feeling across Mid Wales regarding the importance of ensuring healthcare services are designed around the realities of rural communities and the vital role that Bronglais Hospital plays.”

“The concept of developing Bronglais as a centre of rural health excellence is an emerging area of consideration for the Cabinet Minister and reflects a broader ambition to strengthen the delivery of high-quality healthcare services in rural areas,” the letter said.

“Discussions with NHS organisations and partners will continue as part of wider strategic planning for healthcare services in Mid Wales.”

Lisa Francis from PBS said that the response “cannot be seen as a commitment” despite the fact “this hollow promise might have nudged Plaid over the line for the election.”

“I've seen comments from of people on social media who only gave their vote to Plaid because they believed that the Stroke Unit would be protected on their watch and that they would definitely develop the idea of a hospital of rural excellence.

“To say that these people are now disappointed would be an understatement.”