New Abergele surgery officially opens

Mar 4 2010 by Ian Hughes, North Wales Weekly News

A NEW state of the art health centre has opened in Abergele.

The new centre on Llanddulas Road was officially opened by Welsh Assembly Government Health Minister Edwina Hart last week.

The completion marks the end of a long battle by campaign group Abergele Surgery Action Group, led by resident Bob Edwards.

With the support of the local community and the Action Group, Mr Edwards tirelessly lobbied the Assembly to help the surgery come to fruition.

The centre opened in January. After years of having to cope with outdated and undersized premises, the new facility provides a modern and much needed space for doctors and staff to work from. It was developed by premises solutions provider Primary Asset.

Mr Edwards said: “We would like to thank Primary Asset for getting everything done on time and within budget.”

The new surgery includes 13 consulting rooms, a treatment room, minor operation suite and dedicated practice space for other health staff such as district nurses.

A new bus stop has been created directly outside of the building to make the new surgery fully accessible to everyone. Parking has already been greatly improved.

Head GP at the surgery Dr Jeremy Honeybun said the turnaround has been remarkable.

“It has been a very long road to get here but that is all in the past now and we have gone from quite possibly having the worst primary care building in Wales, to what I have no doubt is the best.

“Not only is it an attractive and impressive building, but also very flexible and adaptable.”

He thanked everyone involved in getting the project completed.

After the opening ceremony, a time capsule filled with important items from local school children and news articles was buried – to be opened in 2060.

ian.hughes