The Welsh Government has outlined a plan to build 19 new integrated health and care centres across the country.
The £68 million project is part of a government commitment to move care closer to home, first floated at the beginning of the year.
But in response to the news, the BMA raised concerns that the LMCs had not been involved in the design of the projects, which will see every health board area get at least two new centres.
The proposals will include a number of new-builds as well as refurbishment of existing facilities to be completed by 2021, the Government said.
Health secretary Vaughan Gething said the centres would act as community hubs bringing together a range of public services on one site.
‘People in the 21st Century expect to be treated in modern, advanced health care centres that deliver a wide range of services all under one roof.
‘We agree and by targeting investment in this way it is hoped that opportunities for delivering service change can be delivered upon.’
A spokesperson confirmed that £40 million of the funding had been announced in previous budget announcements and an additional £28 million had been allocated to the projects listed.
Wales GPC chair Dr Charlotte Jones, said they would be keen to hear more detail about the plans for the 19 new integrated health and care centres.
‘We would particularly welcome information regarding the allocation of funding and how the distribution of projects has been decided upon.
‘It’s concerning to us that the initial reaction from LMC members suggests that they haven’t been involved in the design of the scheme.’
She added: ‘Whilst we welcome improving access to services closer to people’s homes, it’s difficult to assess the impact this will have without knowing the intricacies of how it will work.
‘It’s vital that local clinicians, who understand the needs of the local community, are involved in service design to ensure that patients receive the services they deserve.’
Welsh RCGP chair Dr Rebecca Payne said it was ‘vital that those at the frontline are involved in the details of how this investment will be delivered’.
She also said: ‘RCGP Wales have called for a dedicated fund to improve the quality of GP surgeries. Our initial impression is that this investment is a positive step towards that… We hope this investment goes some way to address one of the many challenges facing general practice.’
| Health Board | Project |
|---|---|
Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board | Penclawdd Health Centre |
Murton Community Clinic | |
Bridgend Town Centre Primary Care Centre | |
Swansea Wellness Centre | |
Aneurin Bevan University Health Board | Tredegar Health and Wellbeing Centre |
Newport East Resource Centre | |
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board | Central Denbighshire Clinic/Hospital Redevelopment |
Waunfawr Primary Care Centre | |
Cardiff & Vale University Health Board | Maelfa Health Centre Hub |
Cogan Hub Development | |
Pentyrch Surgery | |
Cwm Taf University Health Board | Tonypandy Health Centre |
Dewi Sant Phase 2 development | |
Mountain Ash Primary Care Centre | |
Hywel Dda University Heath Board | Aberaeron Integrated Care Centre |
Fishguard Health Centre | |
Cross Hands Integrated Care Centre | |
Powys teaching Health Board | Machynlleth – reconfiguration and extension to create a primary and community care hub |
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