A DECISION on the future of care for patients of a Gwendraeth Valley GP surgery will be made this week.

Hywel Dda University Health Board will discuss the future of primary care provision for patients who are registered with Cross Hands and Tumble Surgery at an extraordinary meeting on Thursday, December 14.

This meeting has come after the partners at the surgery handed their General Medical Services contract back to the health board earlier this year. The health board then held consultations with patients and local stakeholders through a range of means including in-person events, online and paper questionnaires.

Jill Paterson, director of primary care, community and long-term care at the health board, said: “Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to feed back their views to us. The health board is committed to listening to and engaging with our local populations and we would like to thank patients and stakeholders for their involvement in the process so far.

“On Thursday, the board will make a decision based on feedback received throughout the engagement process and the recommendations of the vacant practice panel which included representation from Llais and the local medical committee prior to the public engagement exercise.

“We understand local people will want to know what the future of their GP services will look like, and we will be writing to all patients to inform them of the outcome once a decision is made by the board.”

Llais West Wales’ Helen Williams said: “Llais West Wales has been fully involved with the engagement exercise and spoke to some people regarding their concerns.

“Llais recognises that people are worried about their GP services within the community and reflected this in their response to the health board on GP services within Tumble and Cross Hands area.”

Patients at the Cross Hands and Tumble Surgery will continue to receive care as normal until the end of March 2024. Patients are urged by the health board to remain registered whilst the long term solution is being discussed.

Anyone wishing to view the board papers and watch the meeting on the day can do so at https://hduhb.nhs.wales/about-us/your-health-board/board-meetings-2023/extraordinary-public-board-meeting-14-december-2023.