Millions of pounds are needed to make hospital buildings fit to deliver health and care services in North Powys, a report has found.

More than £14 million is needed to improve hospital buildings in Montgomeryshire’s four largest towns – Newtown, Welshpool, Llanidloes and Machynlleth - according to data published by Powys Teaching Health Board.

“Our estate has served us well,” the report said. “However many local buildings are old and not fit to deliver modern health and care services.”

The hospital with the largest maintenance backlog is Bro Ddyfi Community Hospital in Machynlleth with £4.63 million.

However Powys’ largest town, Newtown, has the largest overall maintenance backlog – £4.65 million – which includes a hospital and the Ynys Y Plant, Bro Hafren and Park Street clinics.

More than £4.1 million is needed to improve the Llanidloes War Memorial Hospital. The maintenance backlog for the pre-1948 hospital building is the second highest in North Powys.

Welshpool’s Victoria Memorial Hospital, which was largely rebuilt in 2004, needs just over £2 million of investment.

The data comes from a ‘Case For Change’ report which supports a new draft model of care for residents living in Montgomeryshire.

Powys Teaching Health Board collected comments from engagement events held in 2019. The key findings have been collated into the North Powys Wellbeing Engagement report to help draft a new care model for the area.

Comments include Llanidloes residents’ “strong connection” with the community hospital and the “great service” provided by its physiotherapy, maternity and palliative units. Locals also praised car share schemes which help people who are unable to drive to attend medical appointments.

However the issue of beds that were closed during essential works to the palliative suite have not been re-opened due to staffing and recruitment issues, the report added.

Residents have until January 19 to complete a feedback survey online at www.powyswellbeing.wales/keydocuments.