Hywel Dda University Health Board and Tenby GP Surgery are continuing to work together, in conjunction with the Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust, to minimise impact on patient care during a period of staffing shortages at the practice.

Tenby's existing primary healthcare team will be supported by additional healthcare professionals, based temporarily within the surgery, to help maintain patient services for the community.

The team, including a GP and an advanced nurse paramedic practitioner, will be assessing patients who attend or call the surgery to request a same day appointment or home visit.

Patients who attend the surgery to make an appointment will be assessed as quickly as possible and given an appointment to see the most appropriate healthcare professional to meet their need.

The GP will decide on the most appropriate care management for patients who phone to make an appointment or request a home visit, according to their need.

The GP or advanced nurse paramedic practitioner will be making home visits to patients who are unable to visit the surgery, depending on the level of care required.

Dr. Phil Kloer, Executive Director of Primary Care, Community, Mental Health Services and Clinical Strategy for Hywel Dda UHB, said: "Tenby GP Surgery continues to experience staff shortages. On behalf of the practice I'd like to reassure patients that the surgery is open and we are working closely with the practice at this time to minimise the impact on patient care. Out of hours services are also unaffected."

Rob Jeffery, Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust - Head of Operations for Hywel Dda UHB and Powys Teaching Health Board, said: "The need to work collaboratively and across professional boundaries is essential in a modern NHS.

"I have no doubt that the healthcare professionals who will be supporting the practice have the skills and experience to play a key role in delivering a clinically safe, responsive service to the patients of Tenby."

Patients registered at the surgery should continue to contact the practice as usual if an appointment is needed on 01834 840868, or to access out of hours services (evenings and weekends) the number to phone is 01437 769811. If you would like to speak to a member of the health visiting team, please phone 01834 844623, or to speak to a member of the district nursing team, the phone number is 01834 840069.

Tenby also has three community pharmacies: Seafront Pharmacy and Boots on the High Street and Glen Pharmacy on Gas Lane.

Pharmacies provide a range of services throughout the week and some out of hours. Opening times are available at http://www.wales.nhs.uk/sitesplus/862/directory/pharmacies">www.wales.nhs.uk/sitesplus/862/directory/pharmacies or by calling NHS Direct Wales on 0845 46 47.