A GP clinic threatened with closure because of a lack of doctors is to remain open, health bosses have confirmed.
Cwmfelinfach is a branch surgery of Risca Surgery and has struggled to replace two outgoing doctors, with vacancies being left unfilled for more than 18 months – amidst staffing shortages across Wales.
Despite a request to Aneurin Bevan University Health Board (ABUHB) to close the branch, the clinic is set to stay open.
In a letter to Islwyn Assembly Member Rhianon Passmore, the health board’s director of Primary Care Services Siân Millar said: “I write to inform you that Aneurin Bevan University Health Board has concluded the consultation with regards to the request received from Dr Williams and Partners to close their branch surgery in Cwmfelinfach.
“The Health Board considered all responses received from patients, interested parties and the practice application and, as a result, the Branch Surgery Closure Panel’s recommendation was that primary care services should continue to be provided in Cwmfelinfach. The decision not to close the branch surgery at this time was approved by the ABUHB Executive Team.
“Patients will be able to continue to access their General Medical Services from the premises located at Cwmfelinfach as well as the main premises at Risca.”
More than 400 people signed a petition against the closure of the clinic.
Ms Passmore said: ““I was delighted to receive notification from the ABUHB that the Branch Surgery Closure Panel has recommended that primary care services should continue to be provided in Cwmfelinfach and that the decision not to close the branch surgery was approved by the ABUHB Executive Team.
“On November 6, I attended a public meeting called by local Labour Councillors Philippa Marsden and John Ridgewell to oppose the closure. Over 150 residents packed out the meeting and I promised them then that I would do all that I could as their Assembly Member to oppose the proposed closure. I am grateful that the passionate voice of a community has been listened to.
“In the 70th anniversary of the birth of the National Health Service Cwmfelinfach’s people have been given what they so deserve.”
A spokesman for ABUHB said: “Following the Branch Closure Panel’s recommendation that primary care services should continue to be provided in Cwmfelinfach, the Health Board’s Executive Team was supportive of the recommendation that the Branch Surgery should not close at this time until the all options has been explored around sustainability of services within Risca Surgery.
“The surgery has been asked to complete a sustainability assessment for further consideration by the Branch Closure Panel and the Health Board will continue to work with the practice during this time.”