Plans to make Tenby Cottage Hospital a HUB for the area where all teams from health and social services connect as part of a local health services Integrated Community Network (ICN) project, were discussed at a meeting of the of the South East Pembrokeshire Community Health Network (SEPCHN) this month.

A wide range of topics were discussed at he SEPCHN meeting held at New Hedges Village Hall including the major changes of the strategy that lies ahead, with the aim of the local Health Board to provide a ‘healthier population’.

Main speakers at the meeting were Hywel Dda University Heath Board’s county director for Pembrokeshire Elaine Lorton, and Lucie-Jane Whelan Primary Care locality development manager for South Pembrokeshire.

The main agenda item was concerned with the change of Health Board strategy, with integration across the whole social community system in accordance with Welsh Government guidelines.

Because many things in life affect a person’s health and well-being, in future years there will not just be traditional NHS services but working with others in areas like social care, housing, education, employment leisure and the environment so that people can manage their health and well-being in their own homes and communities, with an ‘Integrated Community Network’ to be formed.

Elaine Lorton described the start of the process which is being rolled out across the country.

The Welsh Government has allocated a £12,500,000 Allocation Fund to the Hywel Dda Health Board in order to start the planning process, to be completed within 18 months.

New committees are being planned for future strategies - hospitals; communities; mental health/special needs with five ICN’s in Pembrokeshire, South Pembrokeshire being one. Details can be found on the Health Board’s website.

“The new scheme will build on successful aspects of the present system,” said Mansel Thomas chair of SEPCHN.

“Elaine described some of the local strengths on which it will be built. The Tenby Cottage Hospital will be the Hub for this area where all the teams from health and social services connect.”

The meeting heard that one of the aims of the ICN is to provide services that can help more people to be cared for at home.

It was said that the transformation project should take 8 to 10 years before it is in place, and the Health Board ware seeking the views of the public on how the ICN can work with local community organisations so that all services can work together.

“Of immediate concern is the Tenby GP practice,” continued Mr. Thomas.

“In correction of last week’s report to Tenby town council by Clr. Tracey Evans - the surgery has not yet been able to appoint a full time GP, although efforts continue and the Health Board continues to manage the practice.

“There appears to be effective teamwork between the surgery staff, regular locums, nurse practitioners and practice nurses and there were personal descriptions of effective consultations by SEPCHN members.

“However, one member was concerned regarding the occasional lack of individual patient knowledge by locums, despite the good work being undertaken.

“Patients continue having problems booking appointments by telephone and it is felt that on line booking would help. The number of missed appointments has decreased and there were times when spare appointments were available.”

The meeting heard that there is still work to be done on educating patients where to go for treatment so that the GPs appointments are not booked inappropriately. The July Surgery Newsletter will contain helpful information.

There are staff changes, with the Practice Manager and Deputy Practice Manager gaining promotions, and we thank them for their efforts and replacements will soon start. In addition, new administrative staff are being appointed.

There was good news in that the surgery’s pharmacy department had gained a prestigious national award and the Network offered warm congratulations to department members on their achievement.

The meeting heard how the Walk In Centre is proving successful in meeting local and tourist demand, although concern was expressed regarding the lack of summer weekend opening.

The Tenby Cottage Hospital has all its rooms used and regular clinic use, though not always optimised effectively, with a few clinics such as Sexual Health disappearing. In addition, the hospital has an effective Day Care Centre from Social Services.

“Building on this base what will the new system look like? It will become clearer as we move forward,” continued Mr. Thomas.

“The local community must be able to express its views on changes and committees are being established to investigate local opinions.

“SEPCHN will attempt to keep the community informed so please come along to meetings and keep updated and express your opinion,” he added.