A GP practice in South Wales had to temporarily close this week because of strong winds caused by Storm Brendan.
Brynmawr Medical Centre was closed on Tuesday (14 January) due to problems with its ‘structurally unsafe’ roof.
The local health board has been diverting patients to surrounding local pharmacies and appointed a ‘branded’ vehicle to hand out prescriptions.
The surgery is scheduled to reopen this afternoon.
Aneurin Bevan University Health Board said a structural engineer advised the practice to close temporarily because a red arch on the roof of the building had become ‘structurally unsafe’ due to the high winds.
Brynmawr Medical Centre is a £3.6m purpose-built centre, which was announced in 2013, and the centre later opened in June 2018.
An Aneurin Bevan University Health Board spokesperson said staff are still answering calls and patients with appointments will be directed to ‘alternative local venues’.
They said: ‘Unfortunately, following the advice of a structural engineer, Brynmawr Medical Centre will remain closed until Friday lunchtime for the safety of patients and staff.
‘Due to high winds in the area, the red arch structure on the roof of the building has become structurally unsafe.
They added: ‘Engineers are scheduled to permanently remove the red arch structure from the building on Friday.’
In central Wales, a GP practice directed patients to pick up prescriptions from a nearby petrol station whilst it temporarily closed for building work.
