A NEW contractor has been appointed to run a GP practice in the Conwy Valley.

Had a new contractor not been found for the Meddygfa Betws-y-Coed practice, many residents would have been forced to make a 36-mile round trip to visit their next nearest GP from April.

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board has now confirmed that GMS Contractors has been appointed to take on the practice.

Llŷr Gruffydd MS, who represents North Wales in the Senedd, said that he hopes the development will “reassure local residents” who use the practice.

He said: “I am delighted to hear the fantastic news that Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board have been able to appoint a new contractor to run Meddygfa Betws y Coed practice.

“I hope the news will reassure local residents who were understandably very concerned when they heard that doctors at Betws-y-Coed GP practice were bringing their contract to an end in April 2024.

“When I heard that the current contract was coming to an end I called for at least the same level of provision to be maintained in the area, and now it looks like that will be the case.

“I understand that there is now a process now in place to ensure all the governance and legal paperwork is in place and that the health board will be in a position to share more information once it has been completed.

“I also understand that the staff at the practice have been kept informed and are aware of this position.

“I hope that the health board will be able to move forward quickly and ensure that everything is in place to ensure a continuity of services for local residents by April 2024.”