'Health Board is in the process of recruiting more salaried GPs'

MS for Wrexham

While it is extremely disappointing there is a need for foodbanks to exist at all, there is no doubt they provide an invaluable lifeline to people, particularly during this cost-of-living crisis.

The staff and volunteers at Wrexham Foodbank have experienced a hectic few months. As well as organising appeals and collections ahead of the busy Christmas period, the team moved to a new warehouse on the Rhosddu Industrial Estate.

I recently visited the new headquarters to speak to the hard-working volunteers, trustees and new Project Manager, Amy Jones.

All the generous donations made by members of the public in the run up to Christmas mean the warehouse is currently well stocked. However, the Foodbank is a charity and relies on the local community to function. It supports people all year round and any donation, whether it's dropping off items or offering a financial contribution to help towards rent or general upkeep, is always warmly welcomed.

Several constituents recently contacted me regarding staffing changes at Pen y Maes Surgery in Summerhill.

I made urgent representations on their behalf to the Chair of Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) and I am grateful for his speedy response and explanation.

Following a Welsh Government directive, the Health Board is in the process of recruiting more salaried GPs to its managed practices. While the clinical expertise offered by locum and agency GPs is valued, the temporary nature of their employment coupled with the higher cost implications for the NHS mean the model is unsustainable.

As a result of BCUHB’s campaign, a total of 5 Clinical Lead GPs and 18 Salaried GPs have been recruited across Wrexham and Flintshire. Three of the Salaried GPs have been offered roles at Pen y Maes Surgery to join the existing Clinical Lead GP and Advanced Nurse Practitioners.

These actions will hopefully lead to a more resilient workforce and, therefore, an improved service for patients. I have shared the latest information with my constituents, which I hope has provided some reassurance, but if anyone remains concerned, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

If you’re a constituent in Wrexham and there is an issue I could help you with, please contact me via email: lesley.griffiths@senedd.wales or call 01978 355743. You can also keep up to date by following me on ‘X’ (Twitter) and Facebook, just search @lesley4wrexham.