Cross-border healthcare and Powys patients

That this House notes with concern the decision by Powys Teaching Health Board to extend waiting times for Powys residents receiving treatment in English hospitals; further notes that Powys has no district general hospital and that many residents are therefore reliant on hospitals in Herefordshire, Shropshire and elsewhere in England for routine and specialist treatment; recognises reports that some patients have faced significantly longer waits for treatment despite capacity existing within the hospitals they attend; believes that healthcare should be delivered according to clinical need rather than a patient's postcode or the financial position of their local health board; also notes the principles set out in the NHS Statement of Values and Principles for Cross-Border Healthcare, which seek to ensure that patients living in border communities are not disadvantaged by administrative boundaries; expresses concern about the impact prolonged delays have on patients living with pain, reduced mobility and deteriorating health conditions; and calls on the UK Government, Welsh Government and Powys Teaching Health Board to work together to ensure fair, timely and equitable access to healthcare for patients in Powys and other border communities.