Access to GP services at Argyle Medical Group Surgery in Pembroke Dock must be made a top priority for the next Senedd - after residents across the community raised repeated concerns about the difficulty of getting timely GP appointments.

The facility is one of Wales’ largest surgeries, serving more than 22,000 patients with just nine GPs, a level of demand that highlights the scale of pressure facing both staff and patients.

Over the past 12 months, Local Senedd Member for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, Samuel Kurtz has held a series of community pop-up advice surgeries, carried out research with patients, and met with representatives from the Royal College of General Practitioners to better understand the challenges facing primary care.

The Welsh Conservatives Senedd Member has also challenged both Hywel Dda University Health Board and the Welsh Labour Government on their record on GP services and tackling growing patient demand since he has been elected.

Residents across the community have raised repeated concerns, with many reporting long waits, limited availability, and increasing frustration at the current system.

Mr Kurtz said: “Access to a GP is one of the most basic services people rely on, yet far too many residents are struggling to be seen when they need care.

“Through my community advice surgeries and discussions with patients and Argyle Medical Group staff, I’ve heard first-hand just how difficult it has become to access care and the pressures the Argyle team is under. When a single surgery is responsible for more than 22,000 patients with just nine GPs, it’s clear the system is under enormous strain.

“I have challenged the Health Board and Welsh Labour Government directly on this, because patients deserve answers and, more importantly, action.

“We need fair funding for GP services and urgent action to recruit more doctors and healthcare professionals into our community. Without that, pressures will only continue to grow.

“Staff are doing their absolute best, but they are being stretched too far. We need a clear plan to improve access, whether that means increasing staffing levels, improving appointment systems, and making better use of technology,” he continued.

The issue is expected to be a key battleground in the upcoming Senedd election, with healthcare consistently ranked as one of the top concerns for voters across Wales.

Mr Kurtz is calling for:

He added: “Our community deserves better. People should not have to wait weeks to speak to a GP or struggle endlessly to get through on the phone. I will continue to hold decision-makers to account and fight for the fair funding and recruitment our area needs.”

“The call comes as pressure continues to mount on primary care services across Wales, with growing demand, workforce challenges, and rising patient expectations all contributing to the strain.”