A group of Mid Wales doctors, led by Dr James Wrench, were completing a 52-mile bed push from Bronllys Hospital in Brecon to Cardiff today to demonstrate against planned cuts in the NHS.
The group was aiming to join a rally to launch the Welsh branch of Community Hospitals Acting Nationally Together, today.
Dr Wrench, of the Hay and Talgarth Surgery, raised £3,500 on a sponsored marathon earlier in the year and bought two electric profile beds for Bronllys Hospital. But the hospital is now threatened with closure under plans by Powys Local Health Board.
“It’s just a further example of the disregard Powys LHB has for the views of local residents in their support of community hospitals such as Bronllys, Builth, Knighton and Llanidloes,” Dr Wrench said.
The bed push group aimed to arrive at the Welsh Assembly at midday for the launch of the Welsh Branch of CHANT.
Dr Wrench has been joined on the bed push by Dr Richard Walters, of Builth and Llanwrtyd Medical Practice, retired GP Alan Crossley, Dr Andy Rayesford, of Llanidloes practice, and Talgarth resident Matt Morris.
Coach loads of campaigners were also heading for the rally, from Builth Wells, Hay-on-Wye and Talgarth.
Powys Local Health Board has proposed cuts at Llanidloes, Knighton, Bronllys and Builth Wells Hospitals, which campaigners believe will lead to their closure.
Powys LHB chief executive Andy Williams said he knew people were concerned about possible closures, but the health board was trying to provide a modernised service to meet patients’ needs.
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