A GP surgery in Flintshire is set to go to tender following concerns raised by patients. 

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) took over St Marks Dee View Surgery in Connah's Quay last year following issues with a lack of doctors and a heavy reliance upon locums. 

Concerns were raised amongst patients, with no doctors being present at the surgery on certain days. 

A patient at the surgery, Les Melling, said: "The surgery had been going through difficult times with no registered doctors at the surgery and often with no doctors in attendance some days at all.

"I must make it clear, this in no way reflects on the hardworking staff at the surgery. The staff has done a good job under difficult and trying circumstances when the surgery had no registered doctors."

A survey was undertaken by the health board at the back end of last year, with patients given three options for the surgery moving forward. 

Option one was for new GP partners to take over, option two was for the health board to continue running the surgery and option three was for patients to be dispersed to other practices. 

An overwhelming majority of patients chose option one, but it looked like there was to be no change in plans. That was until Betsi announced that the surgery was in the process of going to tender. 

A number of potential partners have already declared an interest in acquiring the surgery in Connah's Quay.

Simon Jones, East Integrated Health Community Associate Director of Primary Care, said: “The engagement exercise with patients of St Mark’s Dee View Surgery held during November and December last year was really helpful and showed us that the majority of people, both patients and staff, did not want patients dispersed to other practices in the area. Their preference was to place the surgery out to tender to advertise for GP partners to take over the contract.

“The health board agreed with this view but it was felt that the surgery should be retained as a managed practice for the time being to offer some stability while supporting the clinical, operational and financial position of the practice.

“The process of tendering the practice has now started, in line with procurement rules, and the Health Board has recently received interest from a number of potential GP partners.

“Staff are aware and we will be writing to patients within the next two weeks to explain the situation. Our primary concern is making sure they receive the best and most appropriate services available.

“I would like to thank everyone who took the time to make their views known to us. I can assure you we take notice of them and encourage feedback from those who use our services.”

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After the announcement from the health board, Mr Melling added: "It looked initially like BCUHB had decided to ignore the will of the majority of the people 73% and have decided to retain St. Marks Surgery. 

"Given the stance and decision of the health board, I was left wondering why they bothered conducting a survey in the first instance.

"However it is now pleasing to see that they have listened to what people wanted and are going to put it up for tender. 

"Hopefully now we can get the doctors in place at the surgery to give the patients of St Marks the best service."