Doctor in charge of Colwyn Bay GP surgery announces intention to hand back contract

Deep concern has been expressed at the news that a GP surgery in Colwyn Bay has handed in its notice to end its NHS contract.

Dr Close, GP at Rhoslan practice in Colwyn Bay, has informed Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board that he will be terminating his contract for general medical services at the end of November.

The practice, including the staff, will be transferred to the health board and will be run as a managed practice whilst long terms plans are considered.

A letter informing patients has been prepared and will be delivered to all households towards the end of this week.

Clwyd West MS Darren Millar said: “It is deeply concerning that yet another Colwyn Bay GP is handing back the keys to the health board. This has sadly become common practice across North Wales in recent years.

“The Welsh Government have failed to address the GP training and recruitment crisis that has been going on for the past decade, despite repeated warnings from the GPs themselves and the British Medical Association.

“It’s high time that ministers in Cardiff Bay stopped burying their heads in the sand and instead look at urgently implementing a new long-term plan for the Welsh NHS, including action to improve recruitment and retention initiatives for GPs. Patients in Wales deserve nothing less.”

During the next two and a half months, until the end of November 2021, all normal services will continue to be available as usual within Rhoslan Surgery, provided by Dr Close and his staff.

There is no need for patients to take any action or to register with a different GP practice.