Health officials have unveiled a £13m regeneration plan to combat the lack of GPs in one of the most deprived areas of Wales.
While the plans will see a new health centre open in Butetown, Cardiff, claims have been raised that the proposals will result in patients being forced to travel just over one mile to Grangetown if they wish to remain with two of the three GPs working in the existing health centre.
Chris Franks, the Plaid Cymru AM for South Wales Central, said he had been contacted by a number of residents who were concerned about the future of GP services.
“It is very worrying that the wishes of the community appear to be disregarded,” he said.
“The community wants to continue to enjoy the services of the respected GP practices that have served Butetown for many years. If these plans go ahead, patients will have to go to the Grangetown surgeries if they want to see their doctors.”
While agreeing that the new health centre would be “a wonderful benefit” to the community, Mr Franks added: “It would not be correct to deny residents the right to see their doctors in their own community.”
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