Update on new Cefn Mawr health centre

Cefn Mawr could be set to get a new health centre after a campaign led by Assembly Member Ken Skates.

The Clwyd South AM (pictured) recently met Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board bosses to make a personal plea for a 21st century facility.

Health chiefs confirmed the current Caritas Surgery will undergo immediate upgrades to improve the building, and also said they would ‘develop a plan to provide more modern premises’ for Cefn and the surrounding area.

A BCUHB statement said: “It was agreed by all in the meeting that the current premises occupied by the GP practice are not adequate. The health board will carry out immediate work to improve the condition of the current building, whilst at the same develop a plan to provide more modern premises. The improvement work will begin the first week in October.

“The health board was in the process of reviewing the options for building developments for GP services across Wrexham and this work would be completed at the end of September. This work would recommend priorities for investment in premises in Wrexham and would include proposals for the Cefn Mawr area.

“Once a clearer view of what was required was agreed, all potential sites would be considered, including the Co-op building, and it was agreed that the health board would inform the owners of the site of their intentions to move things forward quickly.

“It was envisaged that a formal business case would be produced for submission to Welsh Government by the end of December.”

Mr Skates last year organised a petition which called for a new, purpose-built facility in Cefn and was signed by 2,000 people.

He said: “It was a very positive, productive meeting, and I’d like to thank Betsi chief executive Gary Doherty and chairman Peter Higson for their time and continuing interest in improving health services for my constituents in the Cefn Mawr area.”

The two local councillors who launched the petition with Mr Skates – Ken Bathers and Derek Wright – were also present at the meeting at Wrexham Maelor Hospital after years of calling for a new health centre.

Clwyd South MP Susan Elan Jones added: “It would be wonderful to see a brand new health facility in Cefn. Ken has put a great deal of energy into this campaign, as have Ken Bathers and Derek, and I look forward to the health board’s plans becoming a reality.”

Mr Skates successfully campaigned for new health centres in Chirk and Llangollen, which were built with money from the Welsh Labour Government, and pledged to deliver continued spending on health in Clwyd South if re-elected in May.