Health campaigners in Tenby are continuing their campaign to ensure that a ‘walk-in health’ service is provided at Tenby Cottage Hospital.

Town councillor Mrs. Caroline Thomas, who is also secretary of the South East Pembrokeshire Community Health Network (SEPCHN), recently told her fellow councillors that that she had expected the service, which would be a joint collaboration between the Health Board and Tenby GP Practice, to be up and running by Christmas, based on the Health Board’s business case plans, but that all seemed to have gone quiet.

Speaking at Tuesday night’s meeting of the town council, Clr. Mrs. Thomas told councillors that she and SEPCHN chairman Mansel Thomas were still awaiting a response on the matter from the Hywel Dda University Health Board’s chief executive Steve Moore, and asked if the town council could also write to the board voicing their concerns at the lack of developments at the Tenby facility

A Minor Ailment and Injury pilot scheme was staged last Easter at the hospital when the need for this service was established.

“The case was discussed and agreed at the July meeting of the Hywel Dda University Health Board, but since then nothing has been heard, until, following public disquiet and queries to the board’s chief executive by SEPCHN, we now understand the matter has to go through other committee procedures and that these have been postponed on several occasions,” reported SEPCHN chairman Mr. Thomas.

“We have constantly emphasised the need for such a service in Tenby with its large annual tourist influx, difficulties in recruitment at the GP surgery and a growing retirement population.

“This appeared to have been agreed with the Health Board. Why then has progress been so slow? It was planned as a joint venture with the GP surgery but has the heath board undertaken joint planning?

“The summer tourist season will be with us in the not too distant future and will the much needed support service be up and running by then?

“The whole community and our political representatives need to keep up pressure on the Health Board. If you agree why not approach politicians asking for support.

“SEPCHN will continue its efforts and also lobby health board officers. The planned service provided a much needed support to health service provision in our area, we cannot allow this matter to be shelved.,” added Mr. Thomas.

Local AM Simon Thomas has also pressed the Welsh Government over matters concerning Tenby’s cottage hospital.

“Re-opening the Minor Injury Unit would ease the strain on GPs and primary care providers in the town. It would make coming to Tenby more attractive for doctors to work in the area,” said Mr. Thomas.