23/11/2009

A new primary care centre in Mold, announced today, by Health Minister Edwina Hart, is one of the new developments underway as part of improvements to healthcare facilities in Wales.
The centre will bring together two GP practices - Bradley Practice with 4,000 patients and Grosvenor Street Practice with 3,700 patients. The centre will also have capacity to take on an additional 3,500 patients over the next five years.

Integrating two practices will benefit patients, with improved access and a purpose-built centre offering multiple services under one roof. There will be room to host expanded services at the new site in future.

Since the General Medical Services contract came into force in April 2004, the Welsh Assembly Government has held the funding for new facilities, refurbishment, replacement and improvement grants for GMS premises.

Bids are submitted to the Assembly Government by Local Health Boards, which use their discretion in deciding the level of grant to be made available to GP practices.

Practices across Wales were recently able to apply for improvement grants to cover work to repair or expand facilities. A number of north Wales practices have recently had applications approved for improvement works.

The total costs of these works are £248,086 with the Assembly Government providing a contribution of £164,217. The works vary from room conversions to provide extra consulting space to minor improvements to comply with the 1995 Disability Discrimination Act.

Improvement grant work can also benefit the area's economy as works are likely to be undertaken by local businesses.

Health Minister Edwina Hart said: "We are always looking to modernise health and well being services, bringing facilities closer to the local community. The development of a centre such as this in Mold is an important factor in the efficient delivery of those services.

"As well as new facilities, work must be done regularly to make sure that existing health premises are fit for purpose, modern, accessible and clean."