Urgent Care Centres at two Gwynedd hospital could close, sparking safety concerns for the public.

Betsi Cadawaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) will consult on a proposal to end urgent primary care centre services at Ysbyty Alltwen in Tremadog, Ysbyty Gwynedd in Bangor and Ysbyty Penrhos Stanley, Holyhead.

Carol Shillabeer, BCUHB Chief Executive, said: “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 announcement has caused outrage.

Gwynedd MS Beca Brown and the area MP Liz Saville Roberts have written to Shillabeer seeking urgent clarity regarding the future of Alltwen, saying they have serious concerns regarding reports that BCUHB is considering the closure of the Urgent Care Centre at Alltwen.

“The proposal has caused significant anxiety among residents who rely on the centre for timely access to urgent healthcare, particularly older people, families with young children, and those who face difficulties travelling further afield for treatment,” they said.

“At a time when access to healthcare remains challenging for many communities, the potential loss of this valued local service raises serious concerns about the availability of care close to patients’ homes.”

They say it is essential BCUHB “clearly demonstrates the evidence underpinning this proposal, the assessment of its impact on local communities, and the measures that would be put in place to mitigate the impact on patients.”

They expect “a transparent and comprehensive consultation” before any changes are made, and have requested an urgent meeting with BCUHB representatives to discuss this further.

A Welsh Government spokesperson said: “Decisions about the configuration of local NHS services are the responsibility of the local health board, which is best placed to assess the needs of its population. As with any possible service change, we would expect NHS Wales organisations to engage openly and transparently with stakeholders in line with national guidance.”

Siân Gwenllian MS said: "I recognise how important local NHS services are to our communities, although decisions about their configuration are the responsibility of the health board. 

"I would like to thank everyone who has contacted me to share their concerns and worries – I understand how important these services are to individuals and families. 

"I will work with local MP Liz Saville Roberts and other local representatives to seek answers and clarity regarding the situation at Ysbyty Gwynedd and Alltwen."

Elwyn Vaughan MS said: "I'm deeply concerned about this development and have asked Betsi Cadwalader Health Board for full clarification of their proposals as soon as possible.

“I'm particularly concerned as I'm well aware Allltwen not only serves the Porthmadog area but that residents from as far as Bro Dysynni use the facility also.

“It is imperative therefore that any proposals take full consideration into the rurality of the area, the distances involved and especially the impact on South Gwynedd That's why any centralisation of services from Alltwen would be a retrograde step."