Concerns over the future of Urgent Primary care centres at hospitals across Gwynedd remain, despite Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board’s (BCUHB) most recent response.

The ‘Cambrian News’ recently reported on news that Urgent Care Centres at Ysbyty Alltwen in Tremadog, Ysbyty Gwynedd, Bangor and Ysbyty Penrhos Stanley, Holyhead could close.

Carol Shillabeer, BCUHB Chief Executive, said then: “Access to urgent and emergency care is a priority for the health board. We are therefore reviewing the current provision of Urgent Primary Care Centres and are engaging with our staff. The outcome of the review and the potential future approach will be developed in the coming months”.

The review announcement caused outrage and Gwynedd politicians Beca Brown MS and MP Liz Saville Roberts wrote to Shillabeer seeking urgent clarity regarding the future of the centres, particularly at Alltwen.

They have received a reply from BCUHB stating they are “exploring options” about future of Urgent Primary Care Service, and the politicians have been offered a meeting to discuss this further.

But the response has not eased fears about the services.

Beca Brown MS and Liz Saville Roberts MP said: “While we welcome the reassurance that no decisions have yet been made - the uncertainty surrounding the future of the Urgent Care Centre at Alltwen continues to cause concern.

“Given the importance of these services to healthcare provision across our communities it is essential those people who depend on the service have a clear understanding of the review process and what options are being actively considered.

“They have every right to expect this review to result in stronger more resilient and more accessible services. Any proposals that reduce the level of local provision or require patients to travel further to access urgent care would be deeply concerning.”

No date has been set for a meeting to discuss this, and the politicians are calling for it to take place “as soon as possible”.

The health board’s letter to the politicians states it is BCUHB’s “intention to improve access to same day urgent care in local communities not reduce it”, but admits “correspondence issued to staff regarding the future of the service has understandably prompted questions and concern, among staff and local communities”, and “greater context regarding the wider consideration of urgent primary care provision, and the process being followed, should have been provided at the outset”.

“I have therefore asked that affected colleagues are kept fully informed and appropriately engaged as this work progresses.

“As this work progresses, we will review best practice and consider a range of approaches, including the emerging Same Day Urgent Community Care model, the role of Community Pharmacies and options for Urgent Treatment Centres.

“The review is not being undertaken with a predetermined solution in mind rather it will identify how best to provide equitable, sustainable and high-quality same-day urgent care services for patients across North Wales.

“A range of options will be developed and assessed, with patients, communities, staff and partners having opportunities to contribute before recommendations or decisions are made.”