A NORTH Wales MS has called for urgent action from the health board and Welsh Government to assist the redevelopment of a GP surgery in Wrexham. 

North Wales MS Mark Isherwood has highlighted the case of Hanmer Surgery on the Welsh border between Wrexham and Whitchurch. 

The surgery is unable to comply with new upcoming regulations because plans for a purpose-built premises are not receiving urgent attention from Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board.

At Welsh Parliament earlier this week, Mr Isherwood told how the Health Board is hampering progress and called for an urgent Welsh Government Statement on this case and the wider implications for primary care services in that area.

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He said: “I call for a Statement from the Minister for Health and Social Services on Welsh Government support for GP practices to implement the new GP contract in Wales starting this year.

"For example, the single consulting room, cramped and crowded workspace, and restricted waiting room at Hanmer Surgery, near the Shropshire border in North-East Wales, means that their GP is unable to comply with the new regulations.

"He has been seeking to develop a purpose-built premises, fit for the demands of the 21st Century-and the increasing GP contractual obligations required by the Welsh Government, since 2012. A nearby site was identified over a decade ago."

Last week, Hanmer Surgery Patients Action Group, near Whitchurch, lodged an official complaint with the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) over their perceived view of a lack of progress with a new building.

Mr Isherwood echoed their concerns, he added: “Plans for the development of a new Primary Healthcare Centre to replace the current unsuitable and deteriorating premises would enable the Hanmer Practice to deliver 21st Century services to a rural and isolated community, relieving pressure on other GP Practices and Health Board services, generating better health economics. 

"A new premises could provide diabetes screening, physio, occupational therapy, and much more. There is just no space for such services in the current building. The Practice and its patients deserve a resolution.”

In her response, the Trefnydd, Lesley Griffith MS, said: "There is a new GP contract coming forward this year, and that's just part of that rolling programme, really, of reform that we have here in Wales of our primary care services."

She also urged Mr Isherwood to write to Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board’s new Director of Primary Care, Rachel Page, “to see, on that specific case, if she can bring that to a favourable conclusion”.

Michelle Greene, BCUHB’s Integrated Health Community Director (East), said: “We can confirm receipt of a complaint from Hanmer Surgery Patients Action Group, which we will respond to directly.”