GPs will stop seeing patients at a Gwent valleys health centre, a move that could signal a bigger role in primary care for nurse practitioners.

Two family doctor sessions a week are held at Trevethin health centre, but the Abersychan and Pontnewynydd surgeries providing them believe they are not worthwhile, most patients having to be referred to the more fully-equipped main surgeries.

The proposal was condemned by community leaders when first aired last autumn, but a public consultation exercise on available options favoured the centre's future as a nurse practitioner-led service with no GP input, a move approved by Torfaen Local Health Board (LHB).

Maintaining the status quo was not viable as with the new GP contract LHBs are powerless to prevent GPs withdrawing such services.

The centre is run by a nurse practitioner, who can prescribe and monitor medication.

Minor illness and chronic disease management account for much of its work, with blood pressure reviews, cervical smears, and contraceptive pill checks among the caseload.

Gwent Community Health Council, the independent health watchdog, backs the move but wants transport provision considered for those who need to see their GP.

The centre serves a population of more than 9,000 in the hilltop communities of Trevethin, St Cadoc's and Penygarn, among Gwent's most deprived.

A big concern is that public transport services to these communities have often finished for the day by the time people leave their GP's main surgery.

GP and LHB member Dr Andrew Lohfink said the Trevethin decision has implications for other practices.

"This is the right way to go because the days when the GP has to see everyone who comes through the door are long gone, but it sets a precedent with regard to the provision of nurse practitioners," he said.

"This is one of the most important decisions this board has made because, if it is successful, when GPs retire in future their partners might think they do not need to replace them because a nurse practitioner service is working well.

"The prospect of having one GP per practice is a huge step closer because of this."