A PENARTH mum has voiced her concerns about a doctors’ surgery in "the heart of the community" closing.

GP services at Albert Road Surgery in Penarth will end on March 18, 2022 – this is because the practice has been given notice by their landlord to vacate the current premises by April 1.

Chloe Williams, a mum-of-two who lives in Penarth, has expressed worries about the closure, which she says will affect thousands of people.

Ms Williams said: "There are families and elderly people who use the surgery, which is quite a long way from the other one [surgery] – it is essential for the community.

"It was going to be relocated, but it is now closing which is leaving thousands of patients without a surgery and nowhere appropriate for them to go.

"For me personally it is an absolute nightmare and that is the situation for other people. I don’t know how the surgeries which we do have left can take on any more patients as they’re all stretched out as it is.

"It is right in the heart of the community and is a vital part of town. Even if people can get into a new surgery, they still have the trouble of getting to there."

The practice has given Cardiff and Vale health board notice to hand back their GMS (General Medical Services) contract.

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A spokeswoman for the health board said: “The health board appreciates this will cause anxiety with patients and the local community, but we are working closely with other practices in the area to find a solution to maintain services for the patients of Albert Road. 

“Our focus is to ensure services are provided closer to home and - together with our stakeholders - we will establish a way forward to ensure future provision of GP services to all existing patients. 

“Patients will continue to receive appropriate healthcare at the Albert Road Surgery until March 18, 2022.

“In the meantime, we will keep the local community updated with details of future provision as we work through a solution. 

“The health board would like to thank the community for their patience during this time and can reassure patients that we are committed to resolving this to meet the health care needs of the local population.”