PROPOSALS for a ‘one stop shop’ health, social care and well-being hub in Holyhead have been welcomed amid calls for residents’ opinions.
Although a location has not been identified yet, Betsi Cadwalader University Health Board says if the plans go ahead, a new health centre will unite GP services, community health, social care, voluntary services, and prevention and well-being services in one town centre building.
Residents were able to find out more about the proposals, still in their very early stages, a during a community ‘bite size’ health and wellness event held at Holyhead Town Hall on Thursday, May 19.
The hub project is a joint effort between the BCUHB, Anglesey County Council, Holyhead GP practices and Holyhead Town Council.
Welcoming the idea, Councillor and ex Holyhead mayor Richard Parry says it could bring ‘huge benefits’ to the town.
He said: “As the former mayor I welcome the fact that BCUHB and other bodies are looking at the feasibility of setting up this hub project in the town and which will be a ‘one stop shop’ for all health and well-being matters.
“It’s the way things are going now, it means everything will be on one site, which will be hugely beneficial for the people of Holyhead and will improve access and provision of health services.
“It’s all in its early stage, they have been scoping the local areas and have looked at the feasibility of using the old Park School and Library site, and land behind the Empire Theatre.
“Local views are being sought. At the town hall yesterday people could express their views and concerns in a document and there is a meeting planned.
The project will see the Health Board consider closing the Longford Surgery site and consolidating all GP services from the Cambria Surgery – before the proposed Integrated Health & Social Care Centre is built.
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Wyn Thomas, Assistant Director for Primary Care in the West of Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, said: “We are keen to gather people’s views on this exciting new development in the Holyhead area and more details on how local people can get involved will be announced in the coming months.”
Anglesey Council’s Director of Social Services, Fôn Roberts, said: “We are pleased to be working in partnership with the Betsi Cadwaladr University Heath Board on this exciting and visionary development for Holyhead.
“Closer working with colleagues from the Health sectors provides greater benefits for clients.
“It will lead to improved outcomes achieved through professionals delivering a more streamlined, efficient and ultimately more effective service.”
The plans include a modular unit installed in the car park of Cambria Surgery to include six consultation rooms and office space to accommodate all existing staff and resources from Longford Surgery.
“The delivery of primary care services within Hwb Iechyd Cybi is now at a stage where a more sustainable and improved level of service is required to meet patient demand and expectation.” He added.
“The existing arrangements between Cambria and Longford are not efficient and don’t provide the quality of service that is expected by us or our patients.
“Operating from one site will provide our patients with a higher quality of service with greatly improved consulting rooms.”
Residents are encouraged to share views in a survey on the Betsi Cadwalader University Health Board’s web page.
Drop in sessions offering information on Phase One start at Longford Surgery next Friday until June.
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