Ceredigion AM Elin Jones has welcomed the Health Minister’s announcement commissioning the Welsh Institute of Health and Social Care to carry out independent research into the specific healthcare needs of mid Wales.

The research will focus on the long-term sustainability of services in the Bronglais catchment, including GP and primary care provision, and the interaction with community and social services.

The work is expected to be done in time to be fully considered in assessing Health Board plans in the autumn.

Elin Jones said: “Recent developments have shown very clearly how important it is to study the health needs of mid-Wales independently of the day-to-day management decisions of the Health Boards.

"Bronglais is the only General Hospital between the north and south coasts of Wales, serving a huge area. We deserve services as much as urban areas.

“This part of Wales is a special case, and I welcome progress on this issue. Having met the Minister to discuss this last week, I hope very much that the opportunity will be taken to look afresh, and take evidence from a wide range of voices across our area.”