Campaigners want a GP based in Towyn

The petition calls for Tywyn to have its own dedicated GP, instead of sharing a service with Dolgellau.

The system was officially launched on Monday, but campaigners fear that there will be delays in answering emergency calls in the evenings and at weekends.

But the Gwynedd local health board said the service is "safe and sustainable".

Campaigner Roy Broughton said the new out-of-hours scheme had been brought in after operating as a pilot scheme for two years, but was upsetting local people.

"The doctors on call are based at Dolgellau - it is a far too dangerous road to travel if you are ill," he said.

"We have 2,728 signatures - it is a brilliant response.

"It gives a feeling of the general public - it is not a safe working environment."

Roy Broughton is unhappy about the current provision

The petition has been organised by members of the Meirionydd Older People's Forum, who feel a dedicated GP in Tywyn is the only way of ensuring effective out-of-hours cover.

It was handed in at a meeting of Meirionydd community health council on Monday.

But Gwynedd local health board, which has introduced the scheme, disputed that GPs would be permanently based in Dolgellau, but said they would move in-between Dolgellau and Tywyn community hospitals.

It was also investing in an out-of-hours nursing service at the hospitals for minor injuries.

"We firmly believe the service is both safe and serviceable," said David Phillips, assistant director at the board.

"The doctors that are going to be working in the area will be able to use the facilities of either of the Dolgellau and Tywyn community hospitals.

"We have also employed drivers who will take the doctors out in specially-equipped cars.

"And we would reassure patients that this service does not affect the 999 emergency service."

The board also said that, until now, GPs have been providing out-of-hours cover in addition to their day jobs, which was not sustainable.