Angry patients in GP protest

A public meeting was called by Abertillery patients protesting over the new Local Health Board's controversial decision not to extend an Abertillery doctor's contract.

Joanne Absalom, chief executive of the LHB, pictured, was given a hostile reception by patients of the Bridge Health Centre, angry that popular former locum GP Dr George Skea's six-month contract was not renewed at the beginning of this month. He was replaced by another locum, doctor Dr A O Aselumo, on a three-month contract.

They handed in a 1,000-signature petition - calling for his reinstatement - at the meeting in Abertillery Institute.

Ms Absalom began with a presentation - apologising for a communication breakdown and the fact that the LHB and the patients had got off on the wrong foot.

She explained to the audience that locums were not a long-term solution to the GP crisis in Blaenau Gwent.

Ms Absalom said the plans for Heads of the Valleys Resource Centre would bring a well-qualified salaried GP to the area and a link to bring in trainee doctors.

But with feelings running high, her presentation was interrupted many times.

Christopher Angell, 36, from Vivian Street, said: "We had faith in George Skea and he's been taken away from us. We don't want to listen to a lot of twaddle which we don't give a monkey's about. We want him back."

And Blaenau Gwent AM Peter Law claimed she had not listened to the people.

Several of the patients complained of a "hidden agenda" to remove Dr Skea.

Kim Haywood, 43, from Arael View, said: "We aren't allowed to have good health care, which is our human right."

A letter of support for the protesters was read from Blaenau Gwent MP Llew Smith, who stated: "We intend to raise hell until they (the LHB) realise they are employed to serve the community."

Ms Absalom said she would take the opinions of the patients back to the board.

Cheryl Morris, who organised the meeting on behalf of the patients, vowed they would fight on.