12 June 2019
The following information is from our colleagues at the Powys Regional Partnership Board
A new state of the art health and social care facility for north Powys could soon 
be a reality thanks to funding from Welsh Government. Following the recent ministerial announcement of an additional £2.5m of funding to the Powys Regional Partnership Board, the council and health board will begin to develop plans for a multi-agency wellbeing campus, including a Rural Regional Centre for north Powys.
The Powys Regional Partnership Board has a high level of ambition to improve health and wellbeing through a new model of care for north Powys. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to create an intergenerational multi-agency wellbeing campus which would include primary education, health, social care and supported accommodation.
The Rural Regional Centre could include rehabilitation services through in-patient beds, enhanced diagnostics and a wide range of other services.
In order for the council and health board to know what matters most in our communities, we will be seeking the views of local residents to help further develop our plans.
The preferred site for the campus is situated in the centre of Newtown, and is currently occupied by a range of providers including health provision, other council services and two schools. On this site, the Rural Regional Centre could be co-located next to improved school facilities as well as a Community Wellbeing Hub which could be part of a network of other Community Wellbeing Hubs across north Powys.
The North Powys Wellbeing Programme aims to focus on wellbeing; promote early help and support by being able to provide technology that helps you live at home; tackle the biggest causes of ill health and poor wellbeing; and ensure joined up care involving neighbourhood teams and communities working together so that you have a more seamless service when you need it.
Cllr Myfanwy Alexander, Portfolio Holder for Schools and Welsh Language, said “As many families in Newtown are aware, Powys County Council is developing a number of exciting projects in the town. Powys Teaching Health Board also has a vision for the whole of north Powys, with a hub in Newtown.
“By working together, in partnership with the community, we believe that we can create a ground-breaking project which will deliver a range of benefits for people of all ages. Enhancing our existing education facilities in the heart of the town will be a great opportunity to deliver education in a fantastic environment, suitable for teaching the new curriculum.
“The provision of health facilities close by could allow families to, for example, drop one child off at school and take a younger sibling for a hearing test at the same time. The Health Board proposes to develop facilities to enable some treatments currently provided in hospitals at some distance from north Powys to be delivered locally, which would have a huge impact on people’s access to much needed services.
“In addition, we will be involving community groups, the voluntary sector and residents of all ages to develop ways of improving well-being through projects to encourage creativity, exercise, outdoor activity, health eating and many other innovative methods. As well promoting health, both mental and physical, these projects will bring people together and, hopefully be great fun. This is the chance to develop a great focus, for Newtown and for north Powys and we hope that everyone in the area will get involved in shaping a project which can help shape our shared future.”
Carol Shillabeer, Chief Executive of Powys Teaching Health Board, said “A new state of the art Rural Regional Centre could enable citizens to access greater support, enhanced health checks and appointments closer to home. Our aim is to reduce the number of visits out of county hospitals to see a specialist by providing services more locally through the Rural Regional Centre.
“Our highest priority is to ensure residents of north Powys have access to the right health and care services at the right time, wherever possible either in their home, or their community through a new model of care. This will involve neighbourhood teams working together so that people receive a more seamless, joined up service when they need it.
“Our joint Health and Care Strategy gave us invaluable insights to ‘what matters most’ to the people of north Powys in their home and community. Now, over the coming years ahead, we aim to turn aspirations captured in our strategy into a reality.”
There will be a launch event later this week in Llanidloes and Newtown on Friday 14th June where people will have the opportunity to have their say on ‘what matters most’ to them and their community today. People will also have an opportunity to meet and chat with elected members and executive officers from the council and health board.
Following the launch, there will be a Welsh language event in Welshpool, followed by a number of ‘drop in events’ across Powys for residents to share their views. Visit the council and health board website/social media for dates and venues.