THE BETSI Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHC) has confirmed that two GP surgeries in Colwyn Bay will be merged at the end of the year.

The Rhoslan and Rysseldene surgeries will continue to operate until December 5, when they will merge to form the new practice called West End Medical Centre.

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.

The move was welcomed by Clwyd West MS Darren Millar, who 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.

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

Both practices are directly managed by the health board again, following the GP Partnership’s decision to return the contract to provide GP services in the area.

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

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

Mr Millar 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.

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“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.”