AN inability to find GPs has forced health chiefs to take over the running of a Criccieth surgery.

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board will now be aiming to recruit new GPs for the area.

In the meantime, locum doctors will help provide a service.

The health board took over the management of the practice on 1 September after the surgery’s doctor’s terminated the contract to provide GP services.

Wyn Thomas, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board’s assistant area director for primary care in the west, said the surgery and the health board have worked hard to ensure a “smooth takeover” for the benefit of the patients.

He said: “The services are now being provided by staff employed by the health board rather than through independent contractors.

“The current services and standards at Criccieth Surgery will be maintained and we will be advertising for salaried GPs for the practice.

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank Dr Edwards and Dr Jones for their long service in the community and are very pleased that Dr Edwards has committed to continue working on a locum basis.

“We would also like to thank the staff for their co-operation and support during this period.”

The health board will initially employ locums to provide cover alongside Dr Melfyn Edwards at the practice until salaried GP appointments are made.

Read the full story in this week’s Arfon/Dwyfor edition of the Cambrian News