A HEALTH board is being challenged to deliver a promised new primary healthcare centre in the next three years.
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board maintains a new primary healthcare resource centre for Flint is due to be completed by 2015-16.
Community leaders have stepped up their calls for the new facility to come to fruition, as wards at the town’s hospital are closed as part of a shake-up of health facilities in North Wales.
A spokesman for the health board has confirmed the primary healthcare centre is still on target to open within three years.
“In January, the health board took decisions regarding changes to primary and community services across North Wales, including changes in Flint,” said the spokesman.
“Work is now progressing to develop plans for the primary care resource centre, which is scheduled to be completed in 2015-16.
“Work to define the detail of the scheme will include key stakeholders from local government, the voluntary sector, and general practice alongside health board staff.”
Community leaders are concerned about whether the centre will be in place by 2016 as promised, with no public announcement having been made on where the facility will be.
Flint councillor Alex Aldridge, who has opposed the hospital closure along with fellow Flint councillors and scores of residents, said: “It is pleasing to hear the health board is still saying it is working to give us this facility by 2016.
“I am now pleading with the health board to do everything it can to make sure this happens. A lot of bridges need to be rebuilt by the health service due to the loss of our hospital. If they want to regain the confidence of the people of Flint then they need to tell us exactly what is happening.
“If they say 2016 they must deliver that.”
Cllr Aldridge said he is willing to do everything he can to make sure the new facility comes to fruition.
He said: “I’m prepared to put everything to one side and focus on this. Let’s roll up our sleeves and look at what we’ve got.
“I have said before I do not just want a new surgery at the healthcare centre. We want a facility that is fit for the 21st century.”