By Lesley Griffiths

MS for Wrexham

Regular readers of this column will be aware I meet frequently with Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) representatives, enabling me to raise any local issues and ensures the authorities are aware of patients’ day-to-day experiences.

Having met the North Wales Health Board’s new Associate Director of Primary Care back in November, I arranged a follow-up meeting to further discuss local GP services.

The improvement programme at the three managed practices in Wrexham (Hillcrest Medical Centre, Borras Park Surgery and Beechley Road Surgery) which began at the beginning of October is continuing.

Health Inspectorate Wales recently visited Hillcrest and the result of the inspection was good. At the present time Hillcrest has no agency workers and a new salaried, full-time GP started there at the beginning of February. The new GP is a Dermatology specialist and will also take on Dermatology cases from the other two managed practices.

An internal audit was carried out at Strathmore Medical Practice last month and I will be advised of the outcome of this in due course.

Unfortunately, constituents have recently highlighted issues at St George’s Surgery. I raised these concerns with the Associate Director and she will visit the practice herself to look at these in more detail. In the meantime, the Health Board is liaising with the GPs at the practice to try to resolve the issues raised.

The Health Board Panel will also be looking at Alyn Family Doctors’ request to close Gresford Surgery. I will continue to monitor the situation and keep constituents updated.

Last week it was announced Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board will be placed in special measures following the publication of an Audit Wales report that heavily criticised the leadership at BCUHB.

The developments are deeply concerning and I welcome the Welsh Government’s decision to put the local Health Board back in special measures.

Confidence is low but I hope the increased level of support and intervention will improve consistency, safety and quality.

Patients in Wrexham and across North Wales deserve the best possible services and care. As highlighted earlier, I continue to meet regularly with Health Board representatives and although there are significant challenges to overcome, this escalation is an important step on the road to recovery.

If you’re a constituent in Wrexham and there’s something I could help you with, please do not hesitate to contact me via email: lesley.griffiths@senedd.wales or call 01978 355743.