Transport is a concern for those whose GP surgery could be moved two miles away
RESIDENTS of Pentyrch are concerned that their surgery could be moving two miles away from the village to a site in Rhydlafar.
The GP surgery in Pentyrch is currently run out of a temporary base and plans have been put forward for a new two-storey building with various treatment rooms and a pharmacy.
But many residents have been left dismayed that their new surgery won’t be in the village and instead will be built two miles away, causing concern for those who cite a lack of public transport between Pentyrch and Rhydlafar.
“I’m 80 this year, I can’t guarantee that I’ll be able to drive in the next couple of years. People, like myself, are going to be totally isolated,” said Judy Keenor.
Ms Keenor, 79, said she would be happy with the move to Rhydlafar if suitable transport was sorted for residents who don’t have access to a car.
“It is common sense in the end. If you can’t find a suitable site in the village, you have to go elsewhere,” she said.
Pentyrch Community Council (PCC) have set-up a transport working group to tackle the issue.
PCC argue that transport issues of those in Pentyrch were ignored in the Transport Assessment conducted by Asbri Transport on behalf of Assura Spire Ltd.
Mike Colley, lead person of Pentyrch’s neighbourhood watch group (NHW), said: “We have no criticism of the staff at the surgery. This is about the proposal of moving the surgery two miles away, where there is no public transport, and it will disenfranchise those who don’t have access to a vehicle.”
In a survey conducted by NHW group, 78% of respondents opposed the move of Pentyrch surgery to Rhydlafar.
Jo-Anne Ford is looking forward to the new medical centre.
“We just need a decent surgery. Rhydlafar is our only alternative and I’m all for it,” she said.
Ms Ford left Pentyrch surgery because of the lack of privacy in the temporary portacabin facility.
“I didn’t want to switch to Radyr surgery but I didn’t want others to hear what I was discussing with the doctor,” she said.
Ms Ford, 70, intends to transfer back to Pentyrch surgery when it is moved to the new Rhydlafar site.
In the cover letter of a petition to Cardiff Council, which objected to Pentyrch surgery moving to Rhydlafar, Ruth Holland wrote: “Residents feel it is discriminating against some of our most vulnerable people, those who are elderly and those who do not own a car, making a visit to the doctor – when you are unwell – impossible.”
The petition received 346 signatures from residents in Pentyrch, Rhydlafar and surrounding areas.
“From a selfish point of view, I’ve got a car so it’s not really an issue for me. But you have to think about everybody. Many won’t be able to get to the surgery in Rhydlafar,” said Karen Jordan, a resident of Pentyrch.
The planning statement claims that the Rhydlafar site is “easily accessible by pedestrian routes”. Residents have disputed this claim because the only way to get to Rhydlafar from Pentyrch is via Church Road.
Mr Colley argues that Church Road is unsafe for pedestrians because of the 60mph speed limit, lack of pavement and the multiple blind bends.
In a document submitted to Cardiff Council, Carolyn Jones argues that there is not adequate parking at the proposed site.
“The reliance on car travel to the surgery has a knock-on effect in respect of parking provision.
“The inadequate parking provision will inevitably result in on street parking along Rhydlafar Drive and into surrounding residential streets. This in turn will compromise highway safety in the locality,” said Carolyn Jones.
There is uncertainty surrounding the number of parking spaces at the new site. In the planning statement it states there will be 28 spaces, in the design and access statements it states 41 spaces.
A resident of Pentyrch, who wants to remain anonymous, said: “Commercially it is the right way forward and health care will be better than the limited service now available at the portacabin.
“Only routine appointments are available, as for most tests or other health services patients need to go to a surgery in Llandaff.”
The planning application states that the new surgery will be a two-storey building with a reception, six consulting rooms, two treatment rooms, a phlebotomy room and a pharmacy.
The benefits listed in the planning application include: improved privacy of patients, a large facility that would serve relevant catchment size and the creation of a modern development on a vacant site.
Pentyrch was named as one of the specified surgeries to receive part of the £68m grant from the Welsh Government to improve surgeries in Wales.
Mr Colley is calling for better communication between the residents of Pentyrch and the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board.
“They [UHB] have made no attempt at all to consult residents on the closure of surgeries.
“We want to retain two important services in Pentyrch. If this is not the case, there should be a fully informed public debate,” said Mr Colley.
The possible losses of the local pharmacy is a concern for Ms Jordan and Ms Ford.
“It would be a great shame to lose it. We have an amazing pharmacist. He is so helpful. Both services are vital to the village,” said Ms Jordan.
Confusion surrounds the choice of the site in Rhydlafar as opposed to an alternative site in Pentyrch.
“I would like someone to explain to me why options in Pentyrch were rejected,” said Ms Jordan.
Two FOI requests have been made by residents of Rhydlafar concerning the decision of the location of the new surgery.
Helena Fox, PCC Clerk, said that the community council hoped the council would find a site in Pentyrch but they haven’t been involved in the discussions of the new location.
Following the concerns of residents the Community Health Council have called for a meeting to be held in May, with all patients of Pentyrch surgery to discuss the matter further.
The Community Health Council is an independent body that represent the concerns of people who use the NHS.
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board refused to comment.
