The health board says it has had to adapt to the way they work in order to offer the ‘best and most responsive service’ at Wrexham GP surgeries.

Gill Harris, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board’s deputy CEO and executive director of integrated clinical services, was responding after concerns were raised about residents facing problems trying to get face-to-face appointments.

In November, the Health Board for North Wales issued a worrying warning to Wrexham residents over GP Surgeries in the area. 

They stated there was a "long way to go before the people of Wrexham get what they deserve" citing recruitment as the main issue, particularly at Forge Road, Borras and Hillcrest. 

Now, a resident at Hillcrest has told the Leader, that while aspects of the service have improved, there are still problems with accessibility. 

READ MORE: Lack of GP access a 'very considerable concern' for Wrexham patients

They said: “There have been improvements, the telephone service is better, and the receptionists seem better trained, but there is still a barrier between patients and doctors. 

"It is difficult to get through the door there. Once you do get through, there is a good service, but the time it is taking to get seen is very frustrating. 

"It needs improving. You need to see a human rather than doing it all online. 

"Lastly, you never see the same doctor twice, there is no continuity at all."

The Health Board admitted that their clinicians are doing their utmost to deliver a quality service in Wrexham but are currently under 'significant pressure'.

READ MORE: BBC documentary highlights pressures faced by NHS in North Wales

Gill Harris said: “I’m extremely pleased the patient has acknowledged the improvements at the Hillcrest practice and I thank them for their feedback.

“Covid taught us not everyone needs face to face appointments. We understand many people get comfort through speaking to a GP in person, but telephone triaging and virtual appointments can resolve many issues faced by patients.

"It is clearly appropriate for some appointments to be face to face and our GPs will prioritise these according to the clinical need of the patient."

She added: “We are constantly seeking new, permanent doctors for our GP surgeries to give continuity to patients. However, this is a problem UK-wide not just within Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board.

“All our clinicians care deeply about their patients but are currently working under significant pressure.  As a result of learning from Covid we have needed to adapt the way we work to offer the best and most responsive service.”