LETTERS to patients about proposed GP surgery boundary changes were sent three days after the consultation had already begun.
Healthy Prestatyn Iach (HPI), one of the largest GP practices in North Wales and managed by Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, has launched a formal engagement process as it looks to reduce its boundary due to “challenges in maintaining efficient and sustainable services.”
The engagement process was originally due to run until Friday, July 3, with a decision expected just a month later - by the end of July 2026 - on the significant proposal.
Although the consultation window was set at four weeks, from June 8 to July 3 in line with NHS Wales engagement guidelines, BCUHB has confirmed that letters informing patients were not printed or sent until June 11.
The Health Board has since extended the deadline for feedback, with responses now being accepted up to July 10.
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A spokesperson for BCUHB said: “Letters were printed and sent on June 11.
“The engagement period is four weeks (June 8 until July 3), in line with NHS Wales engagement guidelines. However, acknowledging that letters weren’t issued until June 11, we will be happy to accept responses up to July 10.”
BCUHB defended the short consultation period for proposed changes to a GP surgery’s practice boundary, saying it is intended to “minimise any period of uncertainty for patients”.
“The Health Board is keen to progress to a decision in a timely way to minimise any period of uncertainty for patients and for the other GP Practices involved,” the spokesperson added.
“We will continue to engage through local groups both before and during the implementation phase.”
HPI is one of the largest GP practices in North Wales in terms of both the geographical area it covers and the number of patients it serves.
The practice was formed 10 years ago through the merger of three separate GP practices.
If a change to the boundary is approved, patients who currently live outside the new boundary would have their care transferred to a GP practice whose services cover their address.
Alison Kemp, Associate Director for Primary and Community Care, said: “As one of the largest GP practices in North Wales, Healthy Prestatyn Iach faces increasing operational, workforce and sustainability pressures, which impact on its ability to consistently deliver high quality and timely support to its patients.
“The proposed boundary changes that we are currently engaging on are intended to address this issue, while supporting the long-term sustainability of GP services across North Denbighshire and surrounding areas.
"Neighbouring GP practices have indicated that growth in their patient numbers could help improve their own long-term sustainability and potentially support future service development.
"I can assure local people that any proposed transfer of patients would only proceed where there is confidence that those practices can safely absorb additional numbers, while maintaining services to their current patients.
“If the proposals are agreed, no changes will happen until January 2027 and any affected patients would be transferred by the Health Board. As such, patients do not need to take any action at this stage, beyond sharing their feedback with us, if they wish to do so.
“This can be done by email, to bcu.denbighshireprimarycare@wales.nhs.uk and via telephone on 03000 851860 (the phone line will be staffed between 10am and 2pm Monday – Friday), with a voicemail service outside those hours."
Drop in sessions will be held at Rhyl Library on June 23 from 10am – 12pm, and at Rhuddlan Surgery on June 26 from 12pm until 5pm.
All patients are welcome to attend and will be able to ask questions.
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