Pressure is mounting to keep the Tycroes Surgery open after campaigners this week launched a last-ditch fight against Hywel Dda’s move for closure.

Some of Wales’ leading politicians - including Mark Drakeford, Jane Dodds, Eluned Morgan and Lee Waters - have been approached by campaigners in a bid to retain the widely-used and highly regarded surgery following a public meeting last Saturday.

Despite invitations to attend, there were no representations from Hywel Dda Health Board nor staff of the Maraget Surgery.

“We heard some heartfelt details of how difficult it will be for residents is the closure goes ahead," said Dame Nia Griffiths, MP.

"It's a great pity that no-one from the Health Board nor the surgery took up our invitation to be there.

"They really need to understand what an issue this is, and how vital it is to keep places like Tycroes surgery open."

Residents are also concerned that they have never been included during the consultation process.

“As a result, we’ve been left feeling utterly upset and despondent," said one of the leading campaigners, Mary Rees.

"What’s become of Aneurin Bevan’s legacy? The NHS is a wonderful system and the only one of its kind in the world.

"Yet here we are in Tycroes, faced with the prospect of having it all taken away from us.”

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Tycroes Surgery is currently used by hundreds of patients from a wide radius, including Ammanford, Bettws, Glanamman, Llanedi, Capel Hendre, Pant y Ffynnon and Penybanc. 

But if the surgery is permanently closed, people will have to use the sister surgery in Ammanford.

“This is going to cause tremendous problems, mainly because of the parking issue,” continued Mary Rees.

“Because Margaret Surgery doesn’t have a car park, elderly people, disabled people in wheelchairs and young mothers with pushchairs will have to walk along an extremely busy road.

"And those needing blood tests will have to travel much further afield.”

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Mrs Rees went on to say that a 94-year-old Tycroes resident recently had to travel to the Antioch Phlebotomy Clinic in Llanelli for a blood test.

“And when she got there, she was told that only two people were allowed in at the same time, so patients have to wait outside in all weathers until they’re called in.  This is totally unacceptable.”

Campaigners have now launched a petition which Mary Rees hopes to present to the Hywel Dda Health Board next week.

“We’ve contacted every road in the area, every house and every business and the response we’ve had has been overwhelming. 

"There’s no doubt that the Tycroes surgery is an integral lifeline to so many people in this area.  To have it taken away is appalling.”