County councillors for Saundersfoot have been in discussions with the village’s Health Centre working together towards improving the service for local residents.

County councillor for the South ward Cllr Chris Williams and his fellow county councillor for Saundersfoot North Alec Cormack met with the Health Centre’s practice manager recently after they had been contacted by residents with their concerns regarding access to appointments in recent months.

“We had a meeting with the practice manager who was very open and honest regarding the challenges that staff are facing on a daily basis,” said Cllr Williams, who revealed that in December alone, the Health Centre received 9,967 calls!

“The delays in hospital appointments following the pandemic has resulted in added demand for care. Add staff sickness, and you can perhaps begin to understand the pressures they are under,” he continued.

“Moving forward, we have all agreed that if a patient were to visit the surgery in future to request an appointment, after 9.30 am they would not be asked to return to their car and ring through instead.”

Improvements to the Surgery website mean that patients can now book some appointments online via the ‘My Health Online’ system; whilst the Surgery will also be installing an automatic touch screen system for residents to use, with help to be available.

“We are aware that many patients may be reluctant to give information to the receptionists when booking appointments, but please be reassured they are simply trying to make sure that you are directed to the right clinician, a task that they are trained for,” explained Cllr Williams.

“We, as patients have our own part to play. In December, 160 appointment slots were no shows. This is so disappointing in a period where staff are under extreme pressures, yet are still trying to see as many people as possible.

“Overall we hope to work together to make improvements and keep all residents updated, in what we know is a very difficult period for the NHS.

“However, it is up to the Welsh Government and Hywel Dda University Health Board to invest in our local GP surgeries and ensure you get the services you need, in a timely manner,” added Cllr Williams.