Usual Forge Road Surgery service ‘for foreseeable future’ as Health Board takes over – public meeting in new year

The Forge Road Surgery is due to stay open for the foreseeable future as the Health Board has taken over control.

In June 2017 Wrexham.com reported that the General Practitioners at Forge Road Surgery, Southsea had given notice that they would be terminating their contract with Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board with effect from December 31st 2017.

The surgery has over 6,500 patients on its books and serves residents from Brymbo, Southsea, Brynteg and the surrounding areas.

However from January 1st 2018 the surgery will become the latest in Wrexham to come under Health Board management.

Concerns about the future provision of the surgery have been raised by patients and councillors since the initial announcement over the summer – with fears later heightened when it was discovered that the GP surgery building at Forge Road is being advertised for sale through a local estate agent.

At the time of writing, the site is still listed for sale on the Kent Jones website for £300,000. Any buyer would get the freehold for the property with vacant possession still possible ‘after the 1st January 2018’.

Letters are now being sent to patients outlining the plans for the surgery for the foreseeable future.

The letter states: “In June, we wrote to inform patients that the GPs of Forge Road Surgery had given notice that they will be terminating their contract with Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board on 31st December 2017.

“We are pleased to be able to let you know about the progress that has been made to make sure that you will still be able to receive local primary care and GP services after that date.

“From 1 January 2018 the Health Board will take over direct responsibility for running and delivering services for the patients of Forge Road Surgery. We have been working closely with Dr Buky, Dr Padmonkar and Dr Khalifa and their staff to help us plan a long-lasting, high quality service for patients of the practice. We are very grateful for all their help and cooperation.

“We are delighted to advise that Dr Padmonkar and Dr Khalifa have confirmed that they will be remaining with the practice and we are pleased to have secured two additional GPs who have both confirmed regular sessions from January onwards. All current nursing and administrative staff will also remain with the practice.”

Wrexham.com contacted Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board and asked it it possible to clarify what arrangements are being put in place at the surgery and if there are any plans for relocation at present. We also asked if patients would be able to access services at Forge Road from the end of the month / new year.

We were sent the same statement as sent out to patients, however a spokesperson for Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board added: “There is no need for patients to take any action or to register with a different GP practice. A letter explaining the ongoing arrangements will be sent to all patients of the practice within the next week or so.”

Councillor Nigel Williams said: “Usual service from 1st Jan for foreseeable future, public meeting to be organised for in the New Year to discuss further.”

Picture – overhead picture of the surgery via Bing