HEALTH chiefs have revealed that a Wrexham GP surgery whose future was clouded in uncertainty is to be put under community ownership.

The practice at Forge Road, Southsea, is one of three that will be handed back to the community under the management of a CIC (community interest company). The others are at Borras Park and Hillcrest.

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board took over the running of the practice a year ago after doctors at the surgery, which has over 6,500 registered patients, ended their contract with the board.

At the time concerns were raised over the future of GP services in the Brymbo and Southsea area after the surgery building at Forge Road was advertised for sale. But health chiefs promised to explore a range of options to ensure that GP services continued as normal and struck a deal with two GPs at the practice to remain based there, as well as recruiting two additional GPs.

The new arrangements are part of the health board’s policy of focusing on GP-led clusters working to improve primary care in areas of need. As well as doctors, patients will also be able to access services such as physiotherapy.

Gareth Bowdler, BCHUB area medical director east, outlined: “We are in negotiation to hand back three practices in Wrexham.

“There is potential that they (CIC) will be able to bring extra expertise and business development as well as additional funding.

“That is great news. As well as GP services there will be a lot of social prescribing to identify the needs of patients, not only medical but their overall health and social needs.”

The health chief was questioned by Wrexham councillors at a safeguarding, communities and wellbeing scrutiny committee.

Cllr I David Bithell asked for reassurances that the GPs in the practices were handed long-term contracts and that the practices don’t rely on locum cover.

Cllr Brian Cameron said: “This has been a continuous problem for people in Wrexham and there seems to be a shortage of GPs and people are having difficulties getting into practices.”

But the medical director stressed: “We have been supporting practices over the last year and we have not had single resignation (of GPs) in Wrexham in that time. We have supported two or three practices who may have resigned.”

Cllr Beverley Parry-Jones said she understood that other providers had come forward to fulfil the Southea GP contract, but had been turned down by the board.

Rob Smith, area director of Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, said: “As soon as the submissions meets the standards and quality of service then it is approved. We want high quality service and this one will be signed off as quickly as possible.”

Doctor Bowdler explained that the first priority of the health board is provide surgeries through GMS contracts as a first priority.