Assembly Member Simon Thomas has brought the issue of a lack of GP appointments available in Tenby to the attention of the Welsh Government.

He did so after a top doctor criticised First Minister Carwyn Jones for insisting there is no GP crisis.

The First Minister was talking about the issue in relation to the north of the country rather than Pembrokeshire.

Rebecca Payne, of the Royal College of GPs in Wales, said there is workforce crisis across the whole country due to growing difficulties in recruiting and retaining doctors.

Plaid Cymru Mid and West AM Simon Thomas said: “The issue of getting a routine appointments is a difficulty not just in Tenby but across the country. Labour is in denial if it thinks there is no crisis when it comes to GP recruitment and retention. My team organised a successful meeting with patients and doctor representatives last year in Tenby where we listened to the concerns of local people.

“People in Tenby and indeed Pembrokeshire as a whole find it frustrating to have to wait a week for a regular appointment because of a shortage of doctors.

“You should be able to see a doctor when you really need it. A Plaid Cymru Welsh Government will begin a long-term investment plan for our NHS to bring down waiting times by training and recruiting 1,000 extra doctors and 5,000 additional nurses.”