The future of inpatient beds at Tywyn Community Hospital will be put to the public from tomorrow (Monday), with one option potentially making their closure permanent.

A 14-week consultation starts on 16 November, giving residents until 22 February to have their say on whether Dyfi Ward should reopen to inpatients or be converted into a day treatment centre.

The ward temporarily closed in April 2023 when Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) said shortages of nursing staff meant it could not reliably provide safe inpatient care.

Three-and-a-half years later, beds have not returned, and the prolonged closure has prompted protests, public meetings and calls for action from campaigners.

BCUHB has now set out two options for the hospital's future.

Under the first, Dyfi Ward's 10 inpatient beds would be restored, but only if sufficient staff could be recruited and retained. Some community services currently delivered on the ward would need to move.

Under the second, Tywyn would permanently lose its inpatient beds. Existing community services would instead be expanded, with the ward turned into a day treatment centre offering clinics, treatments and therapies.

Campaigners argue keeping beds closed places additional burdens on patients and their families, particularly when hospital treatment or visits require travelling to another town.

In April, the ‘Cambrian News’ reported continuing demonstrations by Tywyn Hospital Action Group, three years after what was initially described as a temporary closure.

BCUHB says it has no preferred option and no final decision has been made. Responses will be independently analysed, while reasonable evidence-based alternatives can also be considered.

The consultation was initially expected to take 12 weeks but has been extended to 14 to account for Christmas and New Year.

Consultation documents and details of how to respond will be published on the health board's website when the process begins on Monday.

What do you think should happen to Dyfi Ward? Share your views.