AMIDST ongoing struggles with staff recruitment, the Cross Hands and Tumble Surgery, a vital GP practice in Gwendraeth Valley, has resigned its General Medical Services (GMS) contract, to be effective at the end of March 2024. The announcement was made today by the Hywel Dda University Health Board.
The decision stems from a dire inability to recruit additional general practitioners or advanced practitioners to join the bustling practice. This move, whilst significant, is executed with a meticulous plan to uphold and continue the provision of essential GP services in the area.
Jill Paterson, Director of Primary Care, Community, and Long Term Care at the health board, commented: “The health board would like to reassure the patients of Cross Hands and Tumble Surgery that the provision of these vital services will persist for patients. Although we understand the worry this may cause, we will now cooperate with the practice team, the Amman and Gwendraeth cluster, and local stakeholders to form robust plans for the delivery of future services in the area.”
Paterson further highlighted the community’s unwavering support for the team at Cross Hands and Tumble Surgery throughout this challenging period, appreciating their steadfastness and assurance.
Amidst the change, care will proceed as per usual for registered patients at the surgery until the contract conclusion in March 2024. The health board encourages patients to maintain their registration with the surgery while longer-term strategies are formulated and conveyed. In addition, the health board will be in direct communication with patients to inform them about the forthcoming adjustments and what they mean for their healthcare services.
Moreover, to ensure the voice of the community is heard and incorporated into future planning, patients and stakeholders will be invited in the upcoming months to share their views on how the services can adapt and continue in a sustainable manner. For additional information or queries, contact can be made with the health board directly via telephone on 0300 303 8322 (option 5) or by email at [email protected].
The challenge of GP recruitment and retention is not unique to the Cross Hands and Tumble Surgery, as practices across the country face similar dilemmas. As such, the instances of surgeries relinquishing their GMS contracts may become more commonplace, highlighting a systemic issue that requires nationwide attention and strategy.
Note: Ensure to validate all data, quotes, and other specific details before finalising and publishing the article as actual circumstances may have changed since my last training data in September 2021.
