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June 2025 Newsletter
Welcome to my June 2025 Newsletter.
Welcome to my latest E-newsletter which provides an update on what I have been doing recently to support you both within the constituency and in Cardiff.
Last month, I was pleased to join events across the County as we came together to reflect on the end of World War II in Europe 80 years ago. It was a time to reflect on the sacrifices made by so many and honour those who secured our freedom. We must never forget the price they paid.
If you would like to meet with me to discuss any matter or if I can help in another way, please email me at [email protected] or call my office at 01686 610887.
Powys Waiting Time for Treatment
Russell George MS challenges the First Minister, Eluned Morgan MS.
This week in the Senedd, I challenged the First Minister on her claim that no Powys patient is waiting more than two years for treatment.
Also I again asked her to intervene to ensure that Powys patients are not waiting longer for treatment than English patients when being treated in Shropshire hospitals.
Celebrating our Tourism Industry
Meadow Springs Spa and Resort Trefeglwys.
During May Wales Tourism Week was celebrated, an industry-led event that raises awareness of the challenges facing the sector while showcasing the incredible contribution the industry makes.
It was a real pleasure to meet three generations of the Williams family who run Bryn Vyrnwy Holiday Park in Llansantffraid. This is a fantastic site, but under threat from Green GEN Cymru’s proposed pylon route. During Tourism Week, I wanted to again make the case for underground transmission lines, not overhead pylons, in sensitive rural areas. People come to North Powys to enjoy the unspoilt views of the Mid Wales countryside and we must protect that.
I also visited the award-winning Meadow Springs Country & Leisure Park in Trefeglwys to celebrate their recent success and to mark Wales Tourism Week. The site has been transformed into a premier tourist destination, creating local jobs and investing in our economy.
Tourism plays a vital role in the Mid Wales economy so let’s support the people and businesses who make it happen.
New Emergency Service Provision in Shrewsbury
Construction is progressing at pace as part of a plan to establish the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital as the main emergency hospital for North Powys, Shropshire, and Telford & Wrekin. This is an exciting development for us in Mid Wales as it will mean access to enhanced life-saving emergency care in Shrewsbury.
The services planned are more significant than a standard A&E department. It also means the return of the Women and Children’s consultant-led inpatient service, Head and Neck department, Critical Care and the Stroke Unit being brought back to Shrewsbury.
Shrewsbury Hospital are also organising a drop in event at Welshpool Livestock Market on Monday 16 June 2025 between 10am-2pm. Clinicians and the Programme Team will be present at the event to answer questions about what the new development will mean and how it will improve patient care for our Montgomeryshire community. I will be at this event and I encourage people to also attend if they want to be updated on the works, or to discuss other matters with me.
The Contribution of the YFC
The Young Farmers movement plays such an important role in our rural communities and not just for farming families, but for young people right across the area. It's about far more than agriculture. YFC brings people together, encourages leadership, teamwork and creativity, and gives young people a strong voice in the future of our countryside.
YFC is one of the best grassroots youth movements in the country, offering life skills, confidence and lifelong friendships. The recent County Rally that I attended in Llanerfyl brought that to life, from the competitions to the camaraderie, with great energy shown by every club.
I was pleased to catch up with County Chair Marc Griffiths and have a look at the board beside us, which captures just some of what YFC stands for, fun, opportunity, and community.
Protecting County Farm Estates
Last Tuesday I attended a Public Meeting in Sarn that ended in a vote calling on Powys County Council to impose a moratorium on the sale of its Council-owned farms.
The Public Meeting attracted over 150 people and had been called by Kerry Community Council in response to growing concerns about Powys County Council selling off parts of its tenanted farm estate. This followed confirmation that some tenancies are not being renewed, leaving younger farmers and families uncertain about their future.
I have previously raised the issue in the Senedd, warning that the sell-off of public farms across Wales is not only damaging to rural communities but short-sighted in the context of food security and agricultural succession.
Protecting Stroke Services
There are concerns over the future of acute stroke services at Bronglais Hospital, will be attending a public meeting in a few weeks on the issue, so was pleased to recently meet up with the Stroke Association to hear about their manifesto asks for 2026 and the key priorities they’ve outlined to improve stroke care across Wales.
Proposals being considered by Hywel Dda University Health Board include the potential downgrading of stroke services in Bronglais, a move that could have devastating implications for patients in Mid Wales.
Other proposals include changes to Critical Care, Dermatology, Emergency General Surgery, Endoscopy, Ophthalmology, Orthopaedics, Radiology and Urology.
A public consultation is now underway until Sunday 31 August 2025. I’m keen Powys residents respond. You can find out more in the link below.
Clinical Services Plan Consultation - Hywel Dda University Health Board
The Benefits and Concerns of AI
AI is being used more and more across all walks of life, and we can see real benefits, from productivity to problem-solving. But with those advances come big questions. I had a really interesting discussion recently in the Senedd with ControlAI, a UK-based organisation focused on making sure artificial intelligence is developed responsibly, transparently and in the public interest.
As AI becomes more integrated into our lives, it’s clear we need a serious national conversation about regulation, ethics and governance. The choices we make now will shape the impact AI has, for better or worse. If you have thoughts on AI or the need for stronger AI regulations in the UK, respond to my newsletter to let me know your opinion.
Surgeries
