CONCERNS have been raised over the decision to transfer GP services from a health centre.

Cllr Andrew Atkinson has voiced his disappointment over Alyn Family Doctors' proposals to transfer services from Gresford Health Centre on Poplar Avenue to its locations in Llay and Rossett.

A letter to patients from the practice clarified, however, that Gresford Health Centre would continue to operate health visitor and district nurse services if the proposals go ahead.

Cllr Atkinson said: "I'm extremely disappointed about this decision and the way that it has been handled. I have just recently been informed myself along with other local councillors after I asked for further information following the latest set of rumours circulating the village.

"I have made my views clear to the partners at the practice and all of us as local county borough councillors have expressed serious concerns on behalf of our residents.

"I fully understand their many challenges and the factors outside of their control but I do not like the decision and will challenge it to ensure that my local residents needs are met and there concerns are taken into account."

Cllr Atkinson said that he and Marford and Hosely member Cllr Russell Gilmartin will hold a public meeting, at a date to be confirmed, where residents can raise their concerns with the practice.

Cllr Gilmartin added: "I will be challenging this decision and representing the views and concerns of my residents. My residents have already raised many concerns about this due to the rumours circulating the village for so long.

"I'm organising a public meeting with Cllr Atkinson to update our constituents where we hope they can speak directly to practice partners as we've requested. We need as many residents as possible to know about this meeting and I’d be grateful to anyone that can help us deliver information leaflets, please get in touch with either one of us."

In a letter to patients practice manager Sue Roberts said that "hard choices and changes" to the way the practice worked had to be made due to the NHS - GP services in particular - being under unprecedented pressure across the UK.

She added: "What makes us so vulnerable is the construction of our practice and working from three sites. Everything is triplicated and we simply do not have the manpower and capacity to continue in this way."

"After considering a number of different options, we have not been able to come up with a viable alternative arrangement that would enable us to improve the situation and provide a safe and appropriate standard of care in Gresford.

"So sadly we have decided that we have no option but to propose an amalgamate onto two sites and as such we are applying to the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board to consider our proposal to close GP services at Gresford health centre.

"I understand this may be potentially upsetting and worrying for you our patients and so we want to reassure you that there will not be any adverse effect to services."

A consultation will run until May 14. To contribute, email BCU.WrexhamGPServices@wales.nhs.uk or write to Carol Williams, North Wales Community Health Council, 11 Llys Castan, Ffordd Y Parc, Parc Menai, Bangor, LL57 4FH.

Alternatively, call Mrs Williams on 01248 679284 (ext 3)

BCUHB and the practice have been contacted for a response.