Future of primary care provision for patients of Cross Hands surgery to be discussed next week

THE future of primary care provision for patients registered with Cross Hands and Tumble Surgery will be discussed by Hywel Dda University Health Board at an extraordinary meeting on Thursday 14 December 2023.

Following the resignation of their General Medical Services contract by the partners of the Cross Hands and Tumble Surgery in Carmarthenshire, effective at the end of March 2024, an engagement exercise was undertaken to gather patient and local stakeholder views on the future of GP services.

Jill Paterson, Director of Primary Care, Community and Long-Term Care, at Hywel Dda University 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 on 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.”

The engagement with patients and stakeholders included two drop-in events in Tumble and Cross Hands in November. This was an opportunity for people to discuss their concerns in person with the Health Board and Llais. Additionally, patients and members of the local Community were able to share their views via a questionnaire.

Helen Williams from Llais West Wales, 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.”

Llais will publish its response on their website www.llaiswales.org.

To view the Board papers and watch the meeting on the day, please visit: https://hduhb.nhs.wales/about-us/your-health-board/board-meetings-2023/extraordinary-public-board-meeting-14-december-2023

An update, following the Board’s formal decision on Thursday, will be shared with patients and stakeholders.