Services continued as normal at West End Medical Centre
05.10.2023
Staff at West End Medical Centre, Colwyn Bay, wish to reassure patients after a local Member of the Senedd suggested they were being “encouraged to stay away” from the practice.
On Wednesday, September 27, and Monday, October 2, bouts of sickness, added to long-term sick leave and vacancies, left the practice understaffed.
In line with policy and Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board best practice, patients who did not have an urgent need to see a GP were asked to access the NHS111 online or call services, or seek advice from their local pharmacist regarding less serious illnesses.
For those who have life-threatening conditions or serious injuries, 999 should still be called and an Ambulance requested.
Libby Ryan-Davies, the Central Integrated Health Community’s director of operations, said: “Services at the West End Medical Centre have now returned to normal. It is wholly inaccurate to say we are asking patients to stay away and patients should book appointments with the practice as normal.
“Staff sickness on two separate days over the past two weeks meant we needed to focus our limited resources on the most serious and urgent cases among our population.
“I apologise to those affected on those two days.
“Staff are continuing to work extremely hard to look after the local population, amid high demand for services and I’m really grateful for their dedication and commitment.
“Please keep an eye on our West End Medical Centre Facebook page for accurate up to date information and advice.”
In common with many GP practices across the UK, efforts to recruit staff to key positions within the centre continue. Alternative health and advice services, such as NHS111 and local Pharmacy services, are a good option for some patients with less serious illnesses.
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