DISCUSSIONS have taken place about the future of an at-risk surgery on the Llyn Peninsula.

Dwyfor and Meirionnydd AM Dafydd Elis-Thomas has contacted Betsi Cadwaladr regarding the future of an Abersoch GP surgery.

Lord Elis-Thomas has welcomed assurances from the health board that no GP surgery can close without its agreement.

The Assembly Member wrote to the chief executive of Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board amid concerns about the future of Abersoch Branch Surgery.

Lord Elis-Thomas said: “Concerns have been conveyed to me by patients registered at the Abersoch Branch Surgery and by local residents in the area that this important service will be lost and that there will be no suitable and convenient local health services in the area.

“I have taken up this issue directly with the chief executive of the health board to enquire about his understanding of the situation.”

In a letter replying to Lord Elis-Thomas’ concerns, Gary Doherty, chief executive of Betsi Cadwaladr, 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. Any such application will be considered by our Primary Care Panel, which is chaired by the chief operating officer.

“As part of any application to close a branch, the practice will need to undertake an engagement process with their patients, which should describe the reason for the proposed closure, set out how they will address the needs of patients affected by the change as well as how they will use the capacity released to meet the needs of all their patients.

“If the panel is not persuaded that a strong case has been made for closure, approval will not be given. Until any such application from the GP practice has been received and considered, the service will continue to be provided from Abersoch.”

Speaking of Mr Doherty’s reply, Lord Elis-Thomas said: “I welcome the health board’s clear position on the matter and it shows the responsibility the GP practice has towards the branch surgery and its patients in Abersoch."