Hywel Dda University Health Board has confirmed that Meddyygfa Minafon is to close their branch surgery, Mariners Surgery, from 31 December 2019 owing to the need to bring together services for the whole practice population in Meddygfa Minafon and Trimsaran Surgery.
Over the past four years, the Health Board sought the views of patients, the Community Health Council and other stakeholders on the proposed closure, and held a well-attended drop-in event in Ferryside in which patients spoke about the impact of any closure, including concerns about travel and transport and access to GP appointments. The Health Board has written to all affected patients this to explain the decision and to keep them updated on further developments.
Jill Paterson, Director of Primary Care for Hywel Dda University Health Board said: “As a Health Board we recognise that the decision to close Mariners Surgery will be very disappointing for many patients. Unfortunately this branch surgery has been without a GP service since 2016 with patients travelling to nearby Meddygfa Minafon in Kidwelly for GP appointments and nurse-led chronic disease clinics.
“Following a review of how services are used by patients at the surgery, services at Mariners Surgery are being relocated to Minafon and Trimsaran Surgeries to sit within the multi-disciplinary teams led by the GPs to ensure that patients see the most appropriate professional for their needs, such as a Pharmacist or Physiotherapist. We have listened to patients’ concerns about the services at Ferryside and are working with Ferryside Social Enterprise Group to continue the weekly phlebotomy clinics at Calon-y-Fferi and a Social Prescriber will be holding regular clinics, also in Calon-y-Fferi.
“We would like to thank all those patients and local stakeholders who engaged with this exercise and shared their views, including by online petition. Several challenging issues emerged from this and the Health Board will continue to work positively and proactively with the community to identify and support opportunities to deliver services locally from Meddygfa Minafon and the local Community Pharmacy.”
Patients who wish to speak someone regarding any concerns they might have can do so by contacting 0300 0200 159.
Patients are reminded that services are also available through local community pharmacies who offer a range of expert services. Find out more here:
www.hywelddahb.wales.nhs.uk/communitypharmacy
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