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Thousands of patients are set to be affected by a decision by GPs to leave two practices in the north of Cardiff.

Doctors working across both Llwynbedw Medical Centre, Birchgrove , and Cathedral View Medical Centre, Gabalfa , have handed back their contract to Cardiff and Vale University Health Board.

It is thought around 8,000 patients are registered with the two practices which work in partnership and share four GPs.

The health board has confirmed that Llwynbedw Medical Centre, in Caerphilly Road, will shut for good on Thursday, November 30.

Cathedral View Medical Centre will continue to run but as a branch surgery for North Road Medical Practice.

A spokeswoman for the health board said they undertook a “competitive tendering process” for new GPs to take over the contract – but couldn’t find anyone to take over both of surgeries.

She said: “Cardiff and Vale University Health Board is committed to ensuring patients have access to safe and effective care and treatment within their local community.

“We received notice from the partners at Cathedral View and Llwynbedw Medical Centres that they would be withdrawing from their GP contract from November 30, 2017.

“The health board undertook a competitive tendering process for new GPs to take over the contract but did not receive any applications to manage the entirety of the contract.

“However a number of practices in the local area successfully tendered for part of the contract.

“We understand that this may cause some anxiety and concern in the local community but we are working closely with these alternative practices to ensure patients have continued access to GP services.

“Patients will receive letters over the next couple of days confirming their new practice details and they will automatically be registered there from the December 1, therefore access to GP services will be maintained.

“We would like to reiterate that patients have a choice which GP they are registered with and they are entitled to register with another practice of their choice at any time.”

The practice area extends from Thornhill and Lisvane in the north, to Roath in the south, Whitchurch and Llandaff to the west, and Cyncoed Road to the east.

Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan Community Health Council (CHC) has criticised the health board for not reacting quickly enough to inform patients.

A spokesman said: “The CHC have worked with both the practice and health board primary care team to ensure patients were informed as soon as possible and that their right to choose a suitable GP practice was paramount to meet their healthcare needs.

“We are disappointed that correspondence to patients and general information on what is happening from the health board in relation to this situation has been slow which has caused anxiety for patients of the practice.

“We are also concerned that housebound, the elderly, and those with long-term medical conditions have not been contacted by the health board to make them aware of this process before these letters hit their doormat.

“We hope this will be actioned by the primary care team early next week to ensure this cohort of patients are supported during this changeover.”

Patients can discuss these changes with the health board primary care team or Cardiff and Vale Community Health Council on 029 2075 0112 or email Cavog.chiefofficer@waleschc.org.uk.