A community-led petition to protect full stroke services at Bronglais Hospital has now passed a major milestone, gathering more than 10,000 signatures.
The petition, launched earlier this year in response to Hywel Dda University Health Board’s consultation on reshaping stroke services, has attracted widespread support across Mid Wales. Campaigners fear that downgrading Bronglais to a “treat and transfer” model would mean patients facing journeys of up to two hours to Llanelli or Haverfordwest, putting lives at risk, particularly among the area’s older population.
Passing the 10,000 mark means the petition will now be formally considered for debate in the Senedd, giving this issue a national platform. At the time of writing, the online petition has gathered 10,801 signatures, alongside many more collected locally on paper.
Local leaders have welcomed the surge of support. Cllr Bryan Davies, Leader of the Council and Aberystwyth councillor Alun Williams have both urged the Welsh Government to step in.
Cllr Alun Williams said:
“Bronglais may be on the northern periphery of the Hywel Dda Health Board area, but it is in a central position on the map of Wales and the only general hospital between Carmarthen and Bangor.”
The public consultation on the proposed changes runs until the end of August 2025, but campaigners hope the Senedd debate will put extra pressure on decision-makers to safeguard services.
You can find the petition here: https://petitions.senedd.wales/petitions/246641
