Clwyd West MS Darren Millar has welcomed news that two surgeries in Colwyn Bay which were handed back to the NHS are to be merged.

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board has announced its future plans for Rhoslan and Rysseldene Surgeries.

Both practices are directly managed by the Health Board following the previous GP Partnership’s decision to hand back the contract to provide GP services in the area. 

The health board has been working closely with the practice teams and others to consider the best way forward, including seeking a new GP Partnership for Rhoslan Surgery, but unfortunately no suitable application for the contract was received. 

A range of options have therefore been considered for the future of the practices and following a review, it has been agreed that the practices should come together in a merger.

The new Practice will be called West End Medical Centre. 

Welcoming the news, Darren said:

“I am pleased that a way forward for these two surgeries has finally been found. I know patients have been concerned about how they would operate going forward and earlier this year I met with the health board to discuss the constant complaints from local residents about the Rhoslan surgery.

“Hopefully this merger will help deliver much needed efficiencies and improvements in care for patients.”

Both Rhoslan and Rysseldene will continue to operate until 5 December 2022, when they will merge to form the new practice. In the meantime, the practices will be supported to do the work necessary to merge and to ensure that all patients benefit from being part of a single, larger practice. 

Darren added:

“Patients registered with the practices are advised that they do not need to take any action or to register with a different GP practice. 

“The practice team are working to ensure services continue to be available whilst developing new processes that will benefit how patients access their healthcare. 

“They will provide timely updates and communicate any significant changes using their website, the “My Surgery app” and via text messaging. Patients can download the app and update their mobile number via the app, to keep up to date. 

“The Health Board is keen to hear the opinion of patients on the future arrangements for the new practice and will be seeking their views over the coming months.”