Plaid Cymru Senedd Members for Ceredigion Penfro have reinforced the call for an Integrated Care Centre in Fishguard to bring vital health services closer to people across north Pembrokeshire.

During a recent Questions to the First Minister session in the Senedd, Anna Nicholl MS emphasised the need to develop innovative ways of delivering healthcare in rural communities, highlighting the success of integrated care centres in towns such as Cardigan and Aberaeron.

The proposed Integrated Care Centre for Fishguard has been part of Hywel Dda University Health Board's plans since 2022, but the development of the project remains dependent on securing funding from the Welsh Government. The centre would bring together a range of services in one location. The type of services will include GP Services and may include community services including area nursing, therapies and mental health.

Responding to her question in the Senedd, First Wales’ Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth said: "Many of us represent rural areas here, and someone's health in a rural part of Wales is just as important as someone in an urban part of Wales.

“We want to ensure that integrated care is delivered closer to home, with prevention in particular at its core, to support earlier diagnosis, reduce admissions and delays in discharge. We have many ideas on how, in general, the delivery can be improved in rural areas, but health officials, I know, are engaging with the health board and Pembrokeshire County Council specifically on the development of that integrated centre in Fishguard.”

Following the exchange, Anna Nicholl MS added: "I welcome the First Minister's recognition of the importance of this project and the ongoing discussions between officials, the Health Board and Pembrokeshire County Council.

"Kerry Ferguson MS and I will continue to press both the Welsh Government and Hywel Dda University Health Board to secure the funding needed to make this centre a reality. We will be meeting with key stakeholders, monitoring progress closely and making sure the voices of local people remain at the heart of the process.

"The people of north Pembrokeshire have waited long enough for this investment. We are determined to work with partners to help move this project from the planning stage to delivery so that local residents can access more healthcare services closer to home."