PATIENTS registered at Meddygfa’r Sarn in Pontyates will learn more next week about the possible future of their GP services.
Hywel Dda University Health Board is due to consider a report at its public board meeting on Thursday (May 28), following an eight-week engagement period held between February 9 and April 6.
The engagement was launched after the board agreed in January to seek the views of patients, staff and stakeholders before deciding on proposed changes to services at the surgery.
Meddyga’r Sarn has been managed by the health board since 2017 and serves around 4,350 patients.
The practice has faced long-running difficulties, including problems recruiting permanent GPs and limitations with the building.
In October 2025, the health board convened a Vacant Practice Panel, in line with national guidance, to review long-term options for GP provision in the area.
The panel concluded that managed dispersal — moving patients to nearby practices — offered the most sustainable long-term option for patients and primary care services in the Amman Gwendraeth area.
During the engagement period, patients and the wider community were invited to give their views through questionnaires sent to registered patients and at three public events.
The feedback has highlighted concerns about the possible impact of dispersing patients to other practices, as well as what residents value most in local primary care.
The health board said further information had also emerged during the engagement period, including a small number of informal expressions of interest from individuals asking about the possibility of taking on the GMS contract.
Board members will now be asked to consider the engagement findings alongside future options, including whether it may be possible to secure an independent contractor to deliver GP services at Meddygfa’r Sarn.
Andrew Carruthers, Chief Operating Officer at Hywel Dda University Health Board, said: “We are grateful to everyone who took the time to share their views during the engagement period. We know how important local GP services are to the people of Pontyates and the surrounding communities.
“The feedback received has provided valuable insight into people’s experiences, concerns and priorities. This, together with the additional information received, will be carefully considered by the Board as it makes its decision on the future provision of GP services in the area.”
The board meeting will be broadcast live from 9:30am on Thursday (May 28) on Hywel Dda University Health Board’s YouTube channel.
