GP surgery secured as local practice takes over contract – concerns remain over lack of doctors

A GP surgery has been saved from possible closure after a nearby practice took over its contract – but no new doctors are set to be hired to deal with its 5,000 extra patients. 

In March, there was doubt about whether Lawn Medical Practice in Rhymney would continue after Dr Evans and Dr Stewart announced their resignations with effect from August 31.

Now, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board has confirmed that Dr Neil James and Partners of Meddygfa Cwm Rhymni Practice will deliver general medical practices for Lawn Medical Practice patients. 

This will take effect from September 1 and Caerphilly Observer understands that patients can still access services from the existing premises based in Rhymney Integrated Health and Social Care Centre. 

A health board spokesperson said: “In April 2023 the GP Partners of the Lawn Medical Practice notified the health board of their intention to resign from their General Medical Services Contract with effect from August 31, 2023. 

“The Vacant Practice Panel convened on March 23 2023, where it was agreed the most appropriate option was to advertise the practice with the aim to secure a replacement service with a new GP contractor.

“The Health Board has awarded the contract to take on the management and delivery of General Medical Services for the patients currently registered with the Lawn Medical Practice to Dr Neil James and Partners of Meddygfa Cwm Rhymni Practice, with effect from the September 1.

“Current patients do not need to do anything and will be automatically registered with Meddygfa Cwm Rhymni from September 1. Letters are being sent to patients to inform them of the outcome and confirm how they will access services from September 1.”

When asked by Caerphilly Observer if more staff will be taken on to deal with the increase in patients, a ABUHB spokesperson said: “Current employees of the Lawn Medical Practice will be transferred to the new practice (subject to the TUPE process). 

“This does not include the GP partners, although discussions may take place between the partners.”

‘Concerns around whether additional GPs are needed’

Labour councillor Carl Cuss, who represents Twyn Carno, said: “Residents will be made aware of the outcome of the vacancy management process, residents will rightly want to know how the new surgery will deal with the extra capacity. 

“I understand staff could be transferred but I think concerns around whether additional GPs are needed still need clarifying. 

“I would encourage patients of the Lawn to contact the ABUHB Primary Care Team on 01495 241242 with any concerns or questions they may have regarding this transition.” 

This comes after Meddygfa Cwm Rhymni, which has a main practice in Rhymney and branch surgeries in New Tredegar and Deri, applied to close their branch surgery in Deri. 

Darran Valley community councillors raised their concerns about the closure of Deri Medical Centre earlier this year and have written a letter to the health board to highlight its concerns.

Cllr Robert Chapman, who represents Fochriw and Pentwyn, and is also a county councillor, said that the closure and the subsequent need to travel would be “terrible” for people in the area.

When Caerphilly Observer asked ABUHB how it could justify the partners at Meddygfa Cwm Rhymni taking on 5,000 more patients but possibly closing Deri Medical Centre, they responded: “In March 2023, the Health Board received an application from Meddygfa Cwm Rhymni to close their branch surgery premises in Deri, Bargoed. 

“A period of formal engagement took place with patients using the Deri Branch until May 22, 2023. The recommendations following the outcome of this engagement will be considered by the health board and once a decision has been made patients will be informed of the outcome.”

In response to the worth of the contract taken on by Meddygfa Cwm, ABUHB added that information is “commercially sensitive”.