Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board has hailed “a new era of general medical services” in the upper Amman and Swansea Valleys.

The claim came after the Board awarded the contract for Meddygfa’r Cwm practice to Amman Tawe Partnership, formed by doctors Duncan Williams, Alan Stevenson and Andy Watkin.

Confusion had reigned over the future of GP services in the area following the resignation of doctors at Meddygfa’r Cwm earlier this year.

The new partnership will take over the surgery from September 1.

“We are very pleased to have successfully concluded our negotiations and will now be writing to let all patients know the practice is being taken over, along with details of their new doctors,” said Neath Port Talbot locality director Hilary Dover.

“The three GPs in the new Amman Tawe Partnership are very experienced with established premises.”

Dr Williams and Dr Watkin have been partners in the Amman Valley practice for many years, while Dr Stevenson single-handedly runs the St James practice in Pontardawe – which will now be merged with Meddygfa’r Cwm.

The merger with St James means more clinical sessions (including the GPs, extended scope nurse, pharmacist and therapist) will be provided between 8am and 6.30pm than are currently available at either practice.

“The health board is satisfied Meddygfa’r Cwm will go from strength to strength, not only retaining but enhancing the quality of services available to residents,” added Ms Drover.

“Amman Tawe Partnership will operate from the existing premises in Ystalyfera and Cwmllynfell initially.

“However, it will seek to find a more appropriate single site between the two villages, engaging with local communities and their representatives along with the health board,” said Lindsay Davies, Head of primary care and planning for the Neath Port Talbot locality.

Meddygfa’r Cwm serves almost 2,700 people in Ystalyfera and Cwmllynfell, and communities in nearby Carmarthenshire and Powys.