The local Health Board has been urged to sort out issues over GP shortages in Pembrokeshire, with one of Tenby’s county councillors, comparing their lack of services at time to that of a ‘third world nation’.

Last weekend, the Hywel Dda University Health Board announced that they were continuing to ‘experience difficulties’ in filling some of their ‘out-of-hours’ rotas in Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire, due to GP shortages, apologising that those wishing to make an appointment may experience a ‘limited service’.

Clr. Michael Williams, who represents the Tenby North ward, said that the situation was once again far from ideal for local patients.

“You are advised to attend a minor injuries unit - trouble is this facility is closed weekends in Tenby, and the only option is Withybush or Glangwili’s A and E - hence last night (Friday) a six-and-a-half-hour wait at Withybush!” he commented, adding that he dreaded to think how the hospital would cope on an even busier Saturday night.

“Tenby surgery on Friday had no one available to see patients. One person’s response was: ‘If there is nobody here, why not close?’

“In North Eastern Romania, 10 miles from Ukraine, two years ago we saw a GP immediately free of charge. Which is the second/third world nation?” stated Clr. Williams.