The South East Pembrokeshire Community Health Network was very pleased to see the new minor ailments and injury service pilot scheme introduced at the Tenby Cottage Hospital over the Easter period.

For the last few years, there have been demands to provide a service which meets the medical needs of our area, both for residents and visitors. With the GP service under pressure, a growing retirement population and the tourist industry expanding to a year-round service, the medical needs of South East Pembrokeshire are unique. The Health Board is beginning to appreciate this fact.

Initial reaction to the expert nurse-led service has been positive and over the Easter weekend, it has often been busy. It provides a ‘walk in’ service run by advanced nurse practitioners and healthcare assistants giving top quality care for a range of minor illnesses and injuries such as; infections and rashes, fractures and lacerations, stomach aches, vomiting and diarrhoea, dressing care, minor burns and strains, etc, etc. It will remain open until Sunday, April 3, between 10 am and 6pm.

Initial reaction to the pilot has been positive. It will no doubt now be evaluated by the Health Board when any identified problems will be refined and questions such as the extended, year round medical needs of our community will need to be discussed. This seems a positive start that now needs to be built on.

The local health scene is changing with a number of community focussed initiatives coming into operation in south east Pembrokeshire. To hear more of these, why not come to the next meeting of the SEPCHN which will take place soon.

Mansel Thomas,

SEPCHN chairman