Shropshire Star

Branch surgery could close permanently in village, residents are told

A village surgery closed at the beginning of the Covid-19 Pandemic could now remain shut permanently.

Published
Chirk Medical Centre. GPs are considering closing the St Martins Branch

The St Martins Surgery is a branch of the Chirk GP surgery and patients have had to travel to Chirk, across the Welsh border, for appointments.

Now they have received letters saying GPs have made the difficult choice ask Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board to consider closure of GP services at St Martins.

St Martins Parish Councillor Natalie Rowley, said it was a worrying situation.

"The bus service from St Martins to Chirk only serves one side of the village," she said.

"Many people without access to a car have had to use expensive taxis to get to their appointments."

The letter says: "We have considered a number of different options to re-open the building.

"We do not have an alternative arrangement that would enable us to provide a safe and appropriate standard of care in St Martins. Whilst we have enjoyed a long history in St Martins, the building itself is in great need of internal renovation and we very much wish to continue to offer high quality services but in a safe and sustainable way."

"We understand this may be potentially upsetting and worrying for our patients."

Patients can make comments direct to the North Wales Community Health Council the independent health watchdog.

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