The request from Dyfi Valley Health to close its surgery in Glantwymyn has been described as disappointing by Montgomeryshire Assembly Member, Russell George.
Last month, Powys Teaching Health Board announced that they had received a request from Dyfi Valley Health to close the premises at Glantwymyn.
Dyfi Valley Health state that the situation in keeping both practices at Machynlleth and Glantwymyn is becoming unsustainable with reduced hours and services at Glantwymyn practice due to a number of challenges.
Responding to the request from Dyfi Valley Health, Russell George, said:
"This news was very disappointing. Two years ago when the Glantwymyn Practice took over the Machynlleth GP Practice, we had a commitment that there would be no change at Glantwymyn.
"I have recently met again with Powys Teaching Health Board to ascertain what I can do to support the many views from constituents that the surgery in Glantwymyn should remain open.
"I was pleased that during the meeting, they gave me a commitment that they would carry out a consultation and that there will be an option for no change. The Health Board have to respond to the request, so I’m pleased that they are seeking wider views before coming to a decision.
"This consultation will now happen from 11th February until 28th March 2019 and I would encourage as many people to participate in this process to help inform a recommendation which will be made later in the Spring."
Cllr. Diane Jones-Poston, County Councillor for Llanbrynmair added:
"It is very disappointing for residents who are patients of Glantwymyn, particularly when an assurance was given that there would be no change to Glantwymyn premises following the take-over of the Machynlleth practice.
“Residents living in Llanbrynmair would have to travel further for an appointment to see a Doctor, the nearest surgery would be either Machynlleth 11 miles away or Caersws 12 miles away. This is unfair on residents and feel that important GP services are moving further and further away from local communities.
"I am pleased that Powys Health Board, as part of the consultation, are planning to hold drop in sessions where local residents will have the opportunity to make their views and concerns known and would encourage all Glantwymyn patients to respond to the consultation.”
The consultation will set out the history, current situation and options for the future. This is being sent to all patients registered with Dyfi Valley Health and it will also be available online on their website from noon on Monday 11th February at
www.powysthb.wales.nhs.uk/dyfi-valley-health
Powys Teaching Health Board plan to hold drop in sessions where patients and local residents can talk to the health board and other members of the community about this consultation. More information on these drop in sessions will be available in due course.