§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales for how long and for what reason the operating theatre of Machynlleth hospital has been closed.
§ Mr. Nicholas BennettThis is a matter for Powys health authority which advises that the theatre has been closed since September 1988. Theatre sessions were cancelled to meet the request of medical staff of neighbouring East Dyfed health authority, who had been undertaking the operations at Machynlleth for a number of years, for theatre equipment to be upgraded. This work has been carried out and following the appointment of a consultant anaesthetist the two authorities are in discussion about recommencing theatre sessions.
Under the waiting times initiative, Powys health authority was allocated funds in 1990–91 to enable patients who would otherwise have been seen at Machynlleth to receive treatment at Bronglais hospital, Aberystwyth.