A working group in Solva which is battling to save its local surgery following the resignation of the practice’s GP has been able to present community concerns to the local Health Board.

A significant number of concerned community members recently attended the Hywel Dda University Health Board (HDUHB) drop-in session to discuss the future of Solva Surgery.

A large team of NHS staff was at the meeting (held on January 24 at Solva Memorial Hall) to give information and answer questions, put to them by the Solva Surgery Working Group.

The perception among patients was mixed, with many coming away with the impression that HDUHB did not think the Practice was viable and wanted to disperse the patients to St Davids, Fishguard and Haverfordwest.

Others felt confident that GP services would continue to be offered in Solva for the immediate future as part of a managed practice.

There was strong support for the exciting idea of a Health and Care Hub put forward by the community, but discussion seemed to be dominated by concerns over timescales, numbers and finance rather thanpeople and their well-being.

In response to the Health Board’s calls for a business plan, the Surgery Working Group will shortly publish a paper outlining deliverable and practical solutions to address the continued provision of GP services in Solva and the surrounding area.

Its aims are to deliver solutions for improving the health of the wider community in the St Davids Peninsula, and for enhancing services, and making them more responsive to the needs of the population.

Promisingly, HDUHB Chair, Maria Battle has asked to meet with the Working Group.

Sue Denman, Chair of the Surgery Working Group said: “Our immediate priorities are to engage and consult withkeyhealth and social care stakeholders and service providers to further understand the issues and opportunities surrounding healthcare on the Peninsula.

The next meeting to update the community will be on Tuesday, February 7 at 5.30 pm at Solva Memorial Hall.

Further information about the Solva Surgery Working Group can be found at https://solva.gov.wales/solva-community-council/