Future of GP surgery secured after new doctor found

The future of a GP surgery looks secure after the health board found a new lead doctor to take it over.

There had been doubt surrounding Gelligaer Surgery after it was announced Dr Angharad Bevan and Dr Sara Wilson would resign their General Medical Services contract from April this year.

Aneurin Bevan University Health Board advertised for a new GP to take over the contract and has now appointed Dr David Kaushal, who will take over the running of the contract from May 1.

Dr Kaushal is currently based in Leeds.

Caerphilly Senedd Member Hefin David, said: “This is excellent news and I know it will be a great relief to the local communities, especially those registered at Gelligaer.

“I’d like to offer my support to Dr Kaushal in his new role as lead GP and to say a big thank you to Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, who worked very hard to ensure a positive result for the surgery and its patients, in what are extremely challenging times.”

Aneurin Bevan Health Board has been asked to comment

GP recruitment and retention explained

GPs are independent contractors to the NHS to provide primary care. Under this model, GPs are self-employed and have responsibility for running the surgery and providing care under the General Medical Services contract.

Throughout Wales, there are widespread issues regarding the recruitment and retention of doctors willing to do this.

In Caerphilly town for example, Lansbury Park Surgery and its branch at Troed y Bryn Surgery in Penyrheol were forced to close in April 2020.

The doctor running the surgeries decided to retire and the health board failed to recruit anyone to take over the contract.

Almost 4,000 patients were transferred to other practices in the area.

In 2020, Gelligaer Surgery made a successful application to the health to close its Gilfach branch surgery and consolidate care at its main site. At the time this was blamed on staff shortages.

More recently, Bedwas Health Centre could become latest GP surgery to close because its main practice, Aber Medical Centre, cannot find the staff to run it.