The decision by Powys Teaching Health Board to close Glantwymyn Surgery has been described as "extremely disappointing" by local politicians, Russell George AM and Cllr. Diane Jones-Poston.
The Assembly Member for Montgomeryshire & County Councillor for Llanbrynmair were responding to a decision of Powys Teaching Health Board which will see the surgery in Glantwymyn close in July.
The Board of Powys Teaching Health Board met on Wednesday (8th May) and approved the recommendation from the Branch Practice Review Panel to accept the application from Dyfi Valley Health to close their premises in Cemmaes Road and consolidate their services at their premises in Machynlleth. This is subject to the development of a detailed mitigation plan to address the impacts identified during the consultation.
Following this decision, Powys Teaching Health Board has confirmed that it will work with Dyfi Valley Health to write to all registered patients to discuss the next steps and confirm the timetable for the closure of the Cemmaes Road premises. The Health Board and the Practice also plan to continue to engage with the Powys Community Health Council, Machynlleth Patient Forum and other Community stakeholders to develop the mitigation plan.
Commenting on the decision, Mr George said:
"I am very disappointed with the decision made by the Powys Teaching Health Board to close the surgery at Glantwymyn.
"I have received many concerns from residents on the consultation to close Glantwymyn premises but clearly, the decision has now been made.
"People now want assurances that the Health Board will put a plan in place which will mitigate the impact on patients which take into account the concerns around transport, carers and prescriptions before the Glantwymyn surgery is set to close in July.
"It is particularly disappointing given that there was a commitment that there would be no change when Glantwymyn took over Machynlleth surgery.
"It is vital going forward that patients have good and improved public access to GP services and there is an onus on the Health Board to ensure that this happens."
Cllr. Diane Jones-Poston, County Councillor for Llanbrynmair added:
"The approved recommendation to close Glantwymyn surgery is extremely disappointing having attended the Board meeting. Residents living in Llanbrynmair will be amongst those who will be most affected by this decision.
"The Health Board has confirmed the development of a mitigation plan to address the impact and concerns identified during the consultation such as the further distance that residents will have to travel.
"I have already raised the concerns around the availability of transport to access GP services and the possibility of a mobile service particularly for repeat prescriptions. I will continue to press the Health Board to ensure that any plans put into place are helpful to residents and to minimise the impact this decision will have."
