Plans to close a GP surgery in Neath Port Talbot and transfer the services elsewhere will have “serious consequences” for the local population, an Assembly Member has warned.

A public consultation is taking place on plans to transfer health services from Cwmllynfell Surgery to practices in Ystalyfera and Brynamman.

The Amman Tawe Partnership which provides local GP services says the current building in Cwmllynfell is not fit for purpose.

If approved, services will be provided in Brynamman which is 2.4 miles away, and Ystalyfera, four miles away.

However concerns have been raised about the move.

Jeremy Miles, Assembly Member for Neath, said the proposed changes were “potentially very far reaching” and would have serious consequences for the local population.

He said: “I have already been contacted by a number of residents who have expressed their concerns around the issues of transport, parking and access.

“I understand that there is currently no direct bus service between Cwmllynfell and Ystalyfera and that limited services exist between Cwmllynfell, Upper Brynaman and Gwaun Cae Gurwen.

“It is essential that adequate transport provision is a condition of any such change in service provision and I have asked the health board what discussions are underway with community transport providers to develop a creative solution to this potential challenge.

“Parking at both Ystalyfera and Brynamman surgeries is limited and I am aware of difficulty in access to the surgery in Ystalyfera, compounded by the fact the main route is by way of a narrow road.

“The accessibility of Brynamman surgery has also been questioned, due to the practice being situated upstairs, and whilst they have a stair lift, it is not hard to anticipate that this may cause a disincentive to patients with mobility problems.

“Whilst I understand that the location of the current surgery is not sustainable into the future, I do recognise the importance of having a local surgery to residents in Cwmllynfell.

“Local residents will wish to know that all alternative possibilities have been explored before a final decision to relocate services is taken.”

The Cwmllynfell site was built in 1850 as a detached house, becoming a general surgery in the 1980’s.

According to the Amman Tawe Partnership, which has made a formal request to the Swansea Bay University Health Board to transfer services, the quality and safety of care being provided from the practice in Cwmllynfell is being compromised.

It says the building does not meet current healthcare standards and requires refurbishment in all areas, adding there is also a lack of parking facilities and facilities for people with disabilities.

It says efforts to find alternative accommodation locally have been unsuccessful.

The partnership has said community transport arrangements will be put in place to ensure patients can access services.

Cwmllynfell surgery is currently open two-and-a-half days a week.

During this time it offers three GP sessions, three practice nurse sessions, three healthcare support worker sessions and one health practitioner session – each of them a half-day session.

The partnership said there will be no change to the way services are provided once they are relocated.

As part of the consultation a drop-in event is taking place in Cwmllynfell at the Neuadd Cwmllynfell Welfare Hall  on Thursday, May 2, from 12pm to 4.30pm.

The consultation runs until May 20.

For more details on the consultation visit sbuhb.nhs.wales or call 01639 684581.