ANOTHER GP surgery has revealed it is terminating its contract with the health board.

Dr Close, GP at Rhoslan practice in Colwyn Bay, has informed Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) that he will be terminating his contract with the Health Board for General Medical Services on November 30 2021.

Darren Millar, MS for Clwyd West, said he had "deep concerns" about yet another GP surgery handing in its notice to end its NHS contract.

"This has sadly become common practice across North Wales in recent years," he added.

“The Welsh Government have failed to address the GP training and recruitment crisis that has been going on for the past decade, despite repeated warnings from the GPs themselves and the British Medical Association.

“It’s high time that Ministers in Cardiff Bay stopped burying their heads in the sand and instead look at urgently implementing a new long-term plan for the Welsh NHS, including action to improve recruitment and retention initiatives for GPs. Patients in Wales deserve nothing less.”

The practice, including the staff, will be transferred to BCUHB and will be run as a managed practice whilst medium to long terms plans are considered.

A letter informing patients has been prepared and will be delivered to all households towards the end of this week.

During the next two and a half months, until the end of November 2021, all normal services will continue to be available as usual within Rhoslan Surgery, provided by Dr Close and his staff.

There is no need for patients to take any action or to register with a different GP practice.

Bethan Jones, BCUHB’s Central Area Director, said: “We are writing to all patients registered with Rhoslan Practice in Colwyn Bay to inform them that Dr Close has given notice that he will be ending his contract with the health board on November 30 2021. Dr Close and his staff will continue to provide services until this date, and there is no need for patients to take any action or to register with a different GP practice.

“From December 1, the health board will take on the management of the Rhoslan Practice and all patients will continue to receive a service from the Practice team. 

“Over the next few months, we will keep patients informed of our progress and respond to any concerns and questions.

“On behalf of the health board, I would like to thank Dr Close for his commitment and dedication to providing services at Rhoslan, which we know has been greatly valued by patients.”

A Welsh Government spokesperson, said: “When a GP practice decides to terminate a contract, then the health board has a duty to ensure patients continue to have access to general medical services. No patients will be left without access to GP services.

“We are pleased to say that there has been a significant increase in GP training recruitment figures for a number of years. North Wales in particular has benefited from a higher number of appointments. This will have a direct impact on increasing the number of GPs caring for patients.

“Our Train Work Live marketing campaign year on year has worked with partners to deliver increased take up of GP training places.

"Since 2017 the Welsh Government has funded a financial incentive to attract GP trainees to speciality training schemes in North and West Wales.”