The Patient Participation Group at Argyle Surgery has been summarily closed by the Pembroke Dock-based practice.

At the July meeting of the Town Council, it was reported that group members had received the following email from the management team on June 30:

“We are writing to inform you that the practice has made the decision to formally close down the Patient Participation Group (PPG). This decision follows a review of how we operate and the resources available to support such groups.

“We would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank each of you for your time, input, and support during your involvement with the PPG. Your contributions have been greatly appreciated.

“While the PPG in its current form is closing, we may consider exploring a different format for group involvement in the future, and will be in touch if this is something we decide to pursue.”

Group member Cllr Maria Williams said that nothing had been mentioned at the meeting about cancelling the PPG, and made the point that it doesn’t cost the practice anything in terms of staff, secretarial services or longer opening hours.

Councillors and group members are now looking into whether second largest surgery in Wales is entitled to wind down the group given that, since April 2015, PPGs are a contractual requirement for all GP practices. This is with the aim of prioritising patient involvement in healthcare.

Information found online indicates that all GP practices in Wales are expected to have a Patient Participation Group, while it is not a strict and legally mandated requirement for every single GP practice, it is “strongly encouraged.”

Councillors noted, however, that the Welsh NHS Contract for General Medical Services includes a clause that requires GP practices to have a PPG. A meeting has been held to clarify this; updates to follow.