AN increase in virtual appointments would reduce potential issues accessing a new GP practice site.

The Leader previously reported that a consultation had been launched on proposals to relocate patients registered with Queensferry Medical Practice to Quay Health Centre in Connah's Quay.

The Pierce Street surgery, which has over 8,000 registered patients, issued a statement on the matter on its website.

It says: "Queensferry Medical Centre is looking at the various options available for providing you the best service possible.

"Currently the practice struggles to develop the variety of services we need to meet the changing needs of our patients due to the limitations of our current buildings."

A letter addressed to patients of the Queensferry Medical Centre said they have had to make hard changes due to the NHS being under 'unprecedented pressure'.

It went on to stay that they are 'vulnerable' due to working over two buildings with a lack of staffing and capacity and increase in patients.

Mark Isherwood MS said he joined the joint Hawarden Community Council and Queensferry Community Council online Meeting which was called to consider changes proposed by Queensferry Medical Practice and to form a joint response.

He said: "Widespread concerns were expressed that a move to Connah’s Quay would make it difficult for older people and disabled people living in the Queensferry area to visit a GP."

However, the Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board said feedback relating to the consultation is currently being collated.

Gill Harris, Deputy Chief Executive & Executive Director of Nursing & Midwifery at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, said: “As an independent contractor, partners at Queensferry Medical Centre are responsible for carrying out comprehensive engagement with their patients over proposals to relocate. As part of their application to the health board, the practice must undertake a detailed Equality Impact Assessment and demonstrate the steps it has taken to consider and mitigate any potential adverse consequences for patients.

“The practice has fed back that concerns have been raised over how older and disabled patients will access The Quay Health Centre in Connah’s Quay. However, it is the view of the practice that an increase in virtual appointments reduces potential issues accessing a new site.

“In addition, the Quay Health Centre is located 1.5 miles from the current GP practice, on a well-serviced bus route. It is also compliant with Disability Access Standards, unlike the current Queensferry Medical Centre site, which has been deemed unfit for purpose. The practice believes that older and disabled patients would receive a more suitable service, if this change was to be implemented, due to the improved accessibility of the building.

“Feedback relating to the consultation is currently being collated and this will be carefully considered by our Primary Care Panel.”

Concerns have been raised over ‘diabolical’ waiting times as hundreds across Wrexham and Flintshire are struggling to get through to their GP.

The Leader published a special report into the matter as patients claim they are waiting hours or even days just to get through to their surgery to book an appointment – most of which is via the telephone.