Ongoing challenges facing Saundersfoot Medial Centre continue to be debated by local councillors, who emphasised the importance of communication methods between the surgery and patients.

Recently, a meeting was held with the doctors and business staff at the surgery, with Cllr Chris Williams (county councillor for Saundersfoot South, Cllr Alec Cormack (Amroth and Saundersfoot North) and Cllr Alistair Cameron (Kilgetty and Begelly) all in attendence.

Cllr Cormack, who is also chair of Saundersfoot Community Council, was assured that although the new phone system has been slightly delayed, once live the booking system will be available 24/7 via phone, alleviating the 8am rush for appointments.

He was pleased to learn that there is now a full complement of doctors at the surgery and, as a result, there was a 16% increase in appointments between October and November.

Cllr Williams reported that the meeting discussed the ongoing challenges facing the centre, including the impact of flu and other winter illnesses on local surgeries and hospitals.

“We also addressed the difficulties some patients experience when trying to contact the centre to book appointments,” he explained.

“We fully understand how frustrating this can be and were pleased to learn that the Medical Centre has introduced a new telephone answering system.

“This system is now live and should make it easier for residents to get through, including for booking appointments. Where possible, patients are encouraged to book online as this reduces pressure on the phones, but we recognise that many patients do not have a computer and still need to call.”

Councillors were informed that there are still flu jabs available at the Medical Centre, and patients are encouraged to have a jab if they have not already done so.

During the meeting, councillors also highlighted concerns regarding patients, particularly elderly residents, who are unable to access the NHS Wales App or do not regularly use smartphones and email.

“Restricting early and same-day appointments to digital channels creates significant barriers for these patients and disproportionately affects those who find digital access difficult,” continued Cllr Williams.

“Many older patients rely on traditional communication methods and may not have the confidence or means to navigate digital systems. Requiring a unique email per patient also presents unnecessary obstacles for couples and families who have historically shared accounts.

“We discussed ways the surgery can make early and same-day appointments accessible through multiple channels, including telephone, notice boards, and local newspapers.

“Saundersfoot Community Council will share updates through its notice boards, and we hope the surgery will also support this.

“We also asked that alternative options for booking appointments be clearly communicated to all patients, alongside support for those who struggle with digital devices.

“We fully appreciate that the vast majority of patients are confident with digital devices. This approach is intended to ensure that the minority who are less digitally confident still receive the same information and access to services.

“Supporting patients in this way will help ensure all residents, regardless of age or digital capability, can access care safely, fairly, and conveniently.”