MORE than 500 people have signed a petition opposing changes to the appointments system at the Builth Wells GP surgery.

The Builth and Llanwrtyd GP Practice is to switch to appointments from a walk in and wait system from July 1 this year.

Businessman Patrick Barrington-Coates has slammed the decision and he created the petition opposing the changes.

He said:"They've made the decision without consulting with patients, they've left us in the dark."

A statement on the practice website says: "It has become evident over recent months that there are a number of issues that need to be addressed in order that we can continue to provide high quality care and support to all of our patients.

"The development of this new model has involved the whole practice team, and also the Local Health Board and Community Health Council. The new model will allow better opportunities to plan and organise daily activity in an efficient way. This will also help us to ensure that patients are seen in a timely manner and the waiting room does not get overcrowded.

"To make an appointment there will be a new phone system with a designated option for booking appointments."

For more on this story, see The Brecon & Radnor Express - on sale now