Plans to close three urgent care centres raise concerns over healthcare pressure

Betsi Cadawaladr University Health Board is consulting on a proposal to end urgent primary care centre (UPCC) services at three hospitals: Ysbyty Penrhos Stanley in Holyhead, Ysbyty Alltwen in Tremadog, and Ysbyty Gwynedd in Bangor, according to BBC Health.

The health board cited financial pressures and recruitment difficulties as reasons for considering the closures, while stating that access to urgent care remains a priority.

The UPCCs, established in 2022, are staffed by advanced nurse practitioners, GPs, and physiotherapists, providing same-day treatment for patients with urgent health issues.

Opponents of the plan, including local politicians from Plaid Cymru, Reform Wales, and the Conservative party, have expressed concern that closing the centres would increase pressure on GP practices and emergency departments, which the centres were designed to alleviate.

There is particular worry about the loss of services at Ysbyty Penrhos Stanley, which had previously lost its four-bed hospice.

If approved, the closures would take place by March 31, 2027.