Town GP practice set to close as its last doctor resigns
A GP surgery in Porthcawl is set to close at the end of next month after its last remaining doctor resigned.
Dr T Eales, whose contract will end on June 30, ran the Victoria Avenue practice “single-handedly”.
Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University (ABMU) Health Board said patients will be able to sign up with another practice instead.
A panel, including representation from the community health council, met at the end of April to look at potential ways of sustaining services.
After giving “full consideration” to all possible alternatives, the panel unanimously agreed that dispersing the patient list to two other practices covering Porthcawl was the most appropriate solution.
ABMU director of primary and community services, Hilary Dover, said: “The health board has liaised with the GP partners in the two practices and they will accept patients wishing to register with them.
“The practices will receive health board support to ensure they can accommodate the increase in numbers and maintain services for new and existing patients.”
Letters have been sent to Dr Eales’ patients, explaining how they can register with their choice of practice.
They can attend one of three registration days which ABMU is organising at Porthcawl YMCA in John Street.
These take place today at 9am-noon and Monday at 11am-1pm.
Alternatively, they can telephone the primary care office on 01639 684581 or email patientregistration@wales.nhs. uk
Ms Dover said patients were being asked to confirm their registration choice by 1pm on Monday.
She added: “This will enable the health board to ensure both practices receive the appropriate support they require to plan for the increase in patient numbers from July 1.
“Once all registration details have been received, patients will receive further information about their new practice.”