CALL FOR NEW MEDICAL FACILITY
CALLS for a new medical hub to serve a rural Gwynedd community were made at a public meeting of more than 100 people.
Arfon AM Siân Gwenllian called the meeting at Penygroes to discuss future medical provision in the Dyffryn Nantlle area, which is now served by only two GP practices.
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board says it recognises there is a need for a modern health facility in the area, which includes Penygroes, Llanllyfni, Talysarn, Nantlle, Nebo, Rhostryfan and Rhosgadfan, and is considering various options.
Ms Gwenllian said: “The meeting is being held at the request of electors in Dyffryn Nantlle.
“They are eager to see new medical facilities in the valley and point to the new provision in Caernarfon, Felinheli, Bethesda and other places nearby.
“They are aware of the new provision being planned for Waunfawr, which I have been successfully pursuing with the health board since being elected in 2016.
“The meeting has been organised so that local people can inform us as elected representatives of their wishes.
“So as not to raise false expectations about any potential new facilities, I wrote to the chief executive of Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board in June and received an answer last month saying the health board supports the need for a new building for the present GPs and possibly other community facilities in the area.
“He went on to say that officers from the health board have had numerous meetings with Grwp Cynfein to see if there are opportunities for bringing other stakeholders into the project in the area.
“There are no guarantees of course, and this meeting is an initial one organised by local Plaid Cymru elected representatives to air the views and aspirations of the communities of Dyffryn Nantlle.”
Wyn Thomas, the health board’s assistant area director of primary care in the west, said: “We recognise there is a need for a modern health facility for the communities of Dyffryn Nantlle that could accommodate the current GP practices and other services.
“The health board has been in discussions with Grwp Cynefin to see if there are opportunities for a joint project that would support the health needs and the wider needs of the community.”