Plans to build a new surgery premises for Llanfair Caereinion Medical Practice remain on hold after the plans were delayed again.

On Tuesday, January 30, Llanfair Caereinion Medical Practice confirmed that their proposed project of constructing a new community health centre are still on hold, but added that in the meantime they have received funding for some alterations to their current surgery premises.

The practice hopes that the changes, which will be carried out in February and have been made possible with funding from Powys Teaching Health Board, will increase its capacity.

A statement from Llanfair Caereinion Medical Practice said: “As you may be aware, prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, the practice had plans in place to commence building works on a new surgery premises.

"Due to the time delay incurred because of the pandemic and subsequent escalating build costs, the new build project remains on hold currently, though other options are being explored.”

Plans for the new surgery, the Llanfair Caereinion Primary care Centre, were first unveiled in 2019, with the aim of providing a wider range of health services in the community.

It was estimated that the project would be completed in 2021, but has faced numerous delays in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, with the board confirming in June 2023 that the project remains under delay. The board also said it remained committed to the project.

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Llanfair Medical centre added: “The existing challenges of having outgrown the current surgery premises remain, so in the interim the practice have been successful in securing funding from Powys Teaching Health Board to allow some alterations to the current surgery premises to increase our clinical room capacity by converting some current administration space into new clinical rooms.

“Work will also be undertaken in the waiting room to facilitate the siting of a medication vending machine which will allow patients to be able to access their dispensed medications outside of normal surgery hours.

“The intention is for building works to commence at the beginning of February. It is necessary that works take place during surgery opening hours and whilst we plan to keep noise disturbance and any disruption down to a minimum inevitably there may be some disruption whilst works take place.

“We thank you for your patience and understanding whilst this vital work is undertaken.”