Some £68 million is to be spent on GP premises and community health centres in Wales, it has been announced.

GP leaders gave a cautious welcome to the proposals, which will see investment in at least 19 centres.

There was concern that local GPs might be excluded from key work on the design of the new centres.

Welsh health secretary Vaughan Gething said: “People in the 21st Century expect to be treated in modern, advanced health care centres that deliver a wide range of services all under one roof. We agree and by targeting investment in this way it is hoped that opportunities for delivering service change can be delivered upon.

“We’re funding the future of healthcare in Wales and the pipeline of projects I’m announcing today will make a significant difference to the care people receive closer to home in their communities.”

Royal College of GPs Welsh chair Dr Rebecca Payne said: “While we welcome the Cabinet Secretary’s announcement, it is vital that those at the frontline are involved in the details of how this investment will be delivered. In addition all surgeries need to be able to access support to improve premises in order to better meet patient needs.

“We hope this investment goes some way to address one of the many challenges facing general practice.”

Dr Charlotte Jones, chair of the British Medical Association’s Welsh GP committee, said: “Whilst we welcome improving access to services closer to people’s homes, it’s difficult to assess the impact this will have without knowing the intricacies of how it will work. It’s concerning to us that the initial reaction from local medical committee members suggests that they haven’t been involved in the design of the scheme.

“It’s vital that local clinicians, who understand the needs of the local community, are involved in service design to ensure that patients receive the services they deserve.

“As part of the work to improve access to local services, investment is desperately needed to ensure the GP estate is fit for purpose.”