The next meeting of the South East Pembrokeshire Community Health Network has been arranged for Tuesday (September 18), at 2 pm at New Hedges Village Hall.

The main item on the agenda is the situation with regard to the local GP surgeries, particularly Tenby.

Since August 1 the management of the Tenby practice has been taken over by the Hywel Dda University Health Board and it is important that the local community is now made aware of the effects of this change of management and what plans there are for its future operation.

“The provision of a local GP surgery is the cornerstone of our health service. The service being provided has been affected over recent years by the retirement of many GPs without replacement appointments,” said SEPCHN committee member Mansel Thomas.

“The difficulty in appointing GPs is a national problem but it is essential that the work of the practice is maintained and every effort is made to employ GPs.”

The main aims of the meeting are to explore with the Health Board such issues as -updates on difficulties being experience by the practice and how the surgery is overcoming these; support being offered by local health organisations; possible knock on problems being experienced by other practices; any further details regarding GP recruitment; and an opportunity for patients to describe any difficulties they may be experiencing in the present circumstances.

“SEPCHN wishes to support in any ways that it can, the work of the local health service aiming to provide the best possible local service. It is a very important matter for our community and effective solutions must be sought,” added Mr. Thomas.

The Vice Chair of the Hywel Dda University Health Board Judith Hardisty is to attend the meeting and answer questions raised. All are welcome to attend.