GP surgery changes put on hold

Protesters do not want their surgery to change hands

Campaigners worried about the future of their village doctors' surgery have been given more time to save it.

Last month around 200 people staged a protest in Denbighshire after control of the Cerrigydrudion practice was transferred to Corwen 10 miles away.

However, Conwy Local Health Board have postponed their decision for six months and will speak to residents again.

Health officials have said patients will receive a better service, but locals fear the surgery may close.

The changes which follow the break-up of a previous GP partnership were to take place at the end of the year.

Petition

Patients would still be treated in Cerrigydrudion but they fear integration would lead to a larger practice.

"The Cerrigydrudion practice, which is independent would be taken over by a larger practice and that will lead to a reduction in service," said protester Gwion Lynch.

Previously Dr Dermot Norton, who had served the area for 20 years, was in partnership with another GP at Cerrigydrudion, but the practice was dissolved in June.

More than 1,000 signatures were collected for a petition after Dr Norton's application to carry on working in the area was turned down.

But local health board members upheld the decision of an appointments panel which felt that the Corwen practice - to be known as the Berwyn Medical Group - would provide a better level of service.