Calls have been made for a "life-saving" Acute Stroke Unit to be based in mid and south Powys.

The serious life-threatening medical condition that happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off affects more than 1,900 people in Brecon and Radnorshire.

Patients in the county face travelling to Hereford County Hospital, Prince Charles Hospital in Merthyr Tydfil or Morriston Hospital in Swansea for treatment.

Receiving treatment fast will give the person having a stroke the best chance of survival and recovery.

Most people affected are over 65, but anyone can have a stroke, including children and babies. Powys resident Della Morgan had a mini stroke when she was 26 years old. She believes an acute centre in Brecon or Radnorshire could be save lives.

She said “It was a scary time for me and my family as we didn’t know what was happening. I was lucky that I got treatment really quickly in Neville Hall and have made a full recovery.

"An acute stroke unit in either Brecon or Llandrindod Wells Hospitals could be life-saving for many people”.

Conservative Senedd candidate for Brecon and Radnorshire James Evans said "it is vital" that treatment for stokes is based in mid and south Powys to make sure local patients receive fast and effective care.

He said: “I want to ensure the next Welsh Government commits to a new national plan for stroke to replace the Stroke Delivery Plan.

"We need an Acute Stroke Unit within Brecon and Radnorshire to ensure we get timely treatment in our community.

"I want to hold Powys Health Board to account to ensure they deliver the acute services and the longer term treatment and rehabilitation plans.

"It is time critical to get treatment quickly to those suspected of having a stroke and distances in Brecon and Radnorshire mean it is vital that we have services here."

The Stroke Association has commissioned a report on how coronavirus has impacted stroke care and stroke survivors in Wales. It found that almost half of stroke survivors and carers said they have felt less able to cope with the effects of their stroke and over two thirds of stroke survivors and carers have felt anxious or depressed.

If you spot any signs of a stroke - facial and arm weakness, and speech problems - don't wait. Call 999 straight away.