A question to Hywel Dda Health Board last week by Labour’s Assembly candidate Marc Tierney has prompted further action by the chair, Bernardine Rees.

Marc Tierney again questioned the support being provided to the Tenby Surgery referencing concerns raised with him about access to a female GP.

Responding to his question, Kathryn Davies, director of commissioning, therapies and health sciences, said: “The challenges in Tenby do remain significant and we are working collaboratively with the practice. As primary community care continues to develop the important point is that the health board is working with the practices including Tenby to ensure that the benefits of the integrated model within the community are realised and we’re working towards a more sustainable model as we move from a deeply fragile practice.”

Marc Tierney welcomed confirmation that additional resources had been provided to Tenby Surgery to ensure patients were no longer having to wait for appointments. In responding, the health board said that they provide three day a week advanced paramedic input, freeing up GP availability and additional financial support has been made available to meet the higher cost of locum GP cover.

A prescribing pharmacist is also available five mornings a week to support medicines review and deal with prescription queries.

Marc Tierney said: “I have met with the South East Pembrokeshire Community Health Network on many occasions to hear their concerns and facilitated a meeting with the Deputy Health Minister Vaughan Gething earlier this year. I am pleased that we have moved to a position where that group is at least involved in discussions with the health board about bringing together more services to support the health needs of residents in south east Pembrokeshire.”

At the board meeting, Bernardine Rees, chair of Hywel Dda Health Board, said: “What would be helpful is to bring a paper back to the January meeting. We have outstanding issues with dealing with a model that our public recognises. So I’d like to request formally that we bring it to the January board.”

Marc Tierney concluded: “I am pleased that my concerns have prompted further action. The health board must waste no more time in providing a sustainable model of primary care for Tenby and district. Tenby Cottage Hospital is a fine, clinical environment delivered by a Welsh Labour Government. It must be better used for the benefit of local patients.”