A PROPOSAL by one of Newport's biggest GP practices to close a branch surgery in the city is against the interests of those who use it, say patients.

The practice - Beechwood Surgery - claims the branch venue on Stow Hill raises "huge" health and safety and disability rights issues, but attempts to find an alternative location have been unsuccessful.

Questionnaires have been sent to patients of the branch surgery, above an optician's at the Handpost end of Stow Hill.

A public meeting is also planned for Thursday evening.

The options for the 300 or so patients that the independent watchdog Gwent Community Health Council (CHC) estimates use the surgery, are attending the main Beechwood Surgery on Chepstow Road, or transferring to another, nearer, practice.

Patient Howard Gwatkin, who lives in the Stow Park area, said many patients are unhappy at the closure proposal.

"It is against the interests of the people. For many, especially the older ones, having to go to Chepstow Road would not be convenient.

"It's the other side of Newport," he said.

"I've always found it adequate and been satisfied and so have others. We hope to persuade the powers-that-be that this is not acceptable."

The branch opens four mornings a week for two hours. Practice manager Angela Thompson said it can only be reached by an outside stairway, and only has consulting facilities.

"Anyone needing an investigation or tests has to come to the main surgery," she said.

"As it is on the first floor with outside stairs, we cannot meet Disability Act requirements, and there is a huge health and safety issue for patients and staff.

"We have safety screens at the main surgery, but we cannot offer that protection to our staff at the branch surgery."

Thursday's meeting is at the Burleigh Academy, formerly the Baptist church, Llanthewy Road, starting at 7pm.

The CHC is consulting on the proposal on behalf of Newport Local Health Board (LHB).

Based on views aired at the meeting and in the questionnaires, which must be returned by Friday, August 29, the CHC will make a recommendation on the matter. The LHB will make the final decision, probably in September.