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ALMOST 500 patients living in an isolated community face a two hour round-trip on the bus to Gilwern to see their doctor when the branch surgery at Llanelly Hill shuts its doors in July.

The news will come as a blow to residents who have visited the once-weekly surgery run by Dr Cheryl Dennis at the Welfare Hall for nearly 30 years.

The move follows a request by the Brynmawr-based Essendene Surgery in August last year to withdraw from the building.

A series of public meetings were held as part of a consultation period and included representatives from Blaenau Gwent Local Health Board and Gwent Community Health Council, during which Dr Dennis admitted she felt that the building does not have the facilities or equipment she needs to treat patients.

Residents' concerns included the lack of transport to the alternative branch at Gilwern.

An independent report by the community health council recommended that the possibility of an alternative option in the form of nurse-led clinic to serve the needs of all the people of Llanelly Hill, operating from improved accommodation and perhaps with extended hours' should be explored.

After a recent meeting to consider the report, Blaenau Gwent LHB, said: "The Board accepted that the continuation of services was not possible as the Welfare Hall does not offer a suitable environment for general medical service provision."

It added that all patients will be contacted to advise them of the service change and provide information in relation to alternative practices serving the area and inform them that they may choose to stay registered with Essendene practice.

"The future planning of primary care services for the residents of Llanelly Hill will be the responsibility of Monmouthshire LHB."

10:29pm Wednesday 26th March 2008

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