If services stopped completely at Albert Road surgery, the number of patients per GP in Penarth could go up by 19%.
A PENARTH town councillor and residents have expressed concerns over the closure of the GP surgery on Albert Road.
The practice is one of three GP practices in Penarth serving more than 27,000 people.
If services currently provided at Albert Road stopped completely in March as proposed, the number of patients per GP in Penarth could go up by more than 250, or 19%.
Councillor Gary Allman for Penarth Town Council said that older age groups were more concerned about the announcement because they are more likely to have mobility issues, require medical treatment, and use public transport to get to a GP.
“We need to ensure people are getting the care they deserve and need and that they are able to access a local surgery. We also need to make sure there is no further pressure to take people on at other surgeries,” he said.
A statement on the GP practice’s website confirmed the practice is closing after it received notice from its landlord. Doctors will be providing healthcare services until March 18, 2022 and will vacate the premises by April 1.
Wales Online reported that there were plans in 2019 to move the GP practice down the road to Penarth Leisure Centre on Andrew Road.
A spokesperson for the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board said: “The Health Board appreciates this will cause anxiety with patients and the local community, but we are working closely with other practices in the area to find a solution to maintain services for the patients of Albert Road.
“Our focus is to ensure services are provided closer to home and together with our stakeholders we will establish a way forward to ensure future provision of GP services to all existing patients.”
The updating process is critical, or people are going to worry. The government’s job is to assure and keep wellbeing at the forefront
Penarth town councillor Gary Allman, St Augustine’s Ward where Albert Road surgery is based
“There are only three months before the lease runs out and it is a very urgent matter for residents, particularly older people or those with impairments,” said Ron Walton, vice-chair of the Vale50plus health board.
Vale50plus provides a voice for older people in the Vale of Glamorgan. It works with the UHB on local healthcare provision for the elderly.
Mr Walton said he voiced his concerns to the South Glamorgan Community Health Council but has not got a reply.
However, he has heard from the UHB and said its response was reassuring.
“What I am relaxed about is the team that works in overseeing primary care in UHB are very hardworking. They will be trying to find a solution,” he said.
We will keep the local community updated with details of future provision as we work through a solution
Statement from Cardiff and Vale University Health Board
Mr Walton said a meeting with residents would be helpful but only when the health board is able to provide detailed updates on the situation.
“It is a situation where the UHB needs to meet with users of the Albert Road Surgery and be open about the options it is considering,” said Mr Walton.
One resident, Max Wallis, said: “I and hundreds of others count as elderly and are registered at Albert Road surgery. It’s not just access to other surgeries. The two across the other side of the town have no spare capacity.”
Mr Wallis said he expected a crisis meeting to be called in the town as soon as possible around the issue.
Cardiff and Vale University Health board says it is committed to ensuring services meet the health care needs of the local population.
“We will keep the local community updated with details of future provision as we work through a solution,” said a spokesperson from the Cardiff and Vale UHB.
Coun Allman said more communication was needed.
“What you have to remember is that this is about people’s health. If this was my practice, I would want to know quickly. The updating process is critical, or people are going to worry. The government’s job is to assure and keep wellbeing at the forefront,” he said.
