A VILLAGE on the Llyn Peninsula could lose its GP surgery if plans for new housing are successful.
An application has been submitted by Dr Adrian Smits, of Meddygfa Rhyd Bach, Botwnnog, to demolish the existing Abersoch surgery building to make way for a residential dwelling, despite the surgery still being open to patients three mornings a week.
Former Gwynedd councillor Dewi Wyn Roberts has now expressed his concern about the application which, if passed, could leave 1,500 people living in Abersoch having to travel 12 miles to Botwnnog surgery.
Mr Roberts stated: “When I received notice of a planning application regarding the change of use of The Surgery in Abersoch to a residential dwelling I was very concerned.
“The loss of this medical service and the substantial impact such as patients having to travel to Botwnnog is detrimental to the status of our village.
“I have had a meeting with the partners at Rhyd Bach Surgery in Botwnnog and they have confirmed that it is their wish to close this facility.
“I will be objecting to the plans for the sake of the community.”
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board has reassured patients that until an application to close the surgery is submitted to and accepted by the health board, the surgery will remain open.
Gary Doherty, chief executive of the board, recently said: “The Abersoch surgery is a branch surgery of the Botwnnog GP practice and provides general medical services, under contract to the health board for three mornings a week.
“I can confirm that the health board is aware that the Botwnnog practice is considering putting in an application to close the branch surgery, and that they have engaged with the community health council to understand the engagement requirements and best practice.
“If the practice wishes to end the provision of medical services at the branch, they will need to make a formal application to the health board to do so."
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