Health Board to Explore Sites For New Surgery For Cefn Mawr

A village in Wrexham could be in line for a new and ‘modern’ health centre.

Health chiefs have stated they will ‘develop a plan to provide more modern premises’ for the Cefn Mawr area.

The news comes off the back of a campaign for a replacement of the Caritas Surgery in Cefn Mawr, which was launched by local residents and Clwyd South AM Ken Skates last year.

The campaign called for a new purpose-built facility for the Cefn Mawr area, with concerns over the car parking provision and building conditions of the current surgery

It was proposed by campaigners that the former Co-op on Well Street was used for a new health centre. However at the time Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board noted there were ‘some complexities’ over the location.

Mr Skates recently met with health board bosses to make a personal plea for a 21st century facility.

During the meeting Betsi chiefs confirmed the current Caritas Surgery will undergo immediate upgrades to improve the building, and also said they would ‘develop a plan to provide more modern premises’ for Cefn and the surrounding area.

A BCUHB statement said: “It was agreed by all in the meeting that the current premises occupied by the GP practice are not adequate. The health board will carry out immediate work to improve the condition of the current building, whilst at the same develop a plan to provide more modern premises. The improvement work will begin the first week in October.

“The health board was in the process of reviewing the options for building developments for GP services across Wrexham and this work would be completed at the end of September. This work would recommend priorities for investment in premises in Wrexham and would include proposals for the Cefn Mawr area.

“Once a clearer view of what was required was agreed, all potential sites would be considered, including the Co-op building, and it was agreed that the health board would inform the owners of the site of their intentions to move things forward quickly.

“It was envisaged that a formal business case would be produced for submission to Welsh Government by the end of December.”

*Pictured, Mr Skates, MP Susan Elan Jones and local campaigners last year.