Patients at Saundersfoot Medical Centre are asked to continue to exercise patience at this busy time of year, as reports of unacceptable behaviour towards surgery staff surface once again.

“The surgery is operating a zero tolerance policy as behaviour to the staff by a very small minority has escalated,” explained Saundersfoot’s south ward county councillor Chris Williams after he attended recent meetings with management at the Medical Centre.

“This behaviour isn’t tolerated in any workplace or environment and I would state that all the staff are trying to do their best in challenging circumstances.

“If you have any concerns with the surgery you should go through the correct channels or email me directly so I can arrange a meeting to discuss your concerns.

“The surgery website is up and running and the feedback given to the surgery has been positive. This directs the patients to the correct care that they require,” he continued.

Cllr Williams said that November had been an extremely busy time at Saundersfoot Medical Centresurgery where 773 covid jabs administered, 240 flu jabs, along with 5,355 appointments.

As well as that, 154 patients in care homes needed to be visited by staff, and 60 patients who are housebound, with 28,410 prescriptions dealt with too.

“57 new patients enrolled in the surgery, with 49 transferred out, but a disappointing 215 ‘no shows’ and the biggest concern is that the number of patients is now 9,958!” said Cllr Williams.

“The surgery is trying to get across to their patients that if you are really unwell then the safest place to go would be A&E.

“There has been a myth that if you visit the surgery then you are most likely to be seen or they can get an ambulance when they want it. This simply isn’t true.

“The surgery is classed as a safe place due to all the equipment and staff on hand to deal with most emergencies.

“The fact is that they are least likely to have an ambulance due to those mitigating facts.”

Cllr Williams said that an issue with residents going on holiday and forgetting to order their repeat prescription has been raised, with the surgery providing dispensing for extra tablets if you’re going to be away for a period of time, where patients can email this through quite easily if they’re able to.

The surgery has also expressed disappointment that they have set up a C.O.P.D (a self-help group for patients who are struggling with this) but has stated that they currently have 400 patients suffering from this but only nine have signed up to the group.

“I hope this has raised awareness and more are able to join in the future,” remarked Cllr Williams.

“The surgery is really pleased with the current telephone system. Yes, in the past, there have been problems with the system and over the months this has improved.

“All doctors’ surgeries across the country are facing difficulties on a day to day basis, I do feel that the staff in Saundersfoot are doing an excellent job with the resources available.

“They like any other business or any organisation are facing many challenges in balancing their books.

“As a partnership the surgery have taken the decision that they will not accept registrations for anyone outside of our area as they feel this is detrimental to the NHS services that person can access and the support available to them.

“These include, but are not limited to home visits and urgent care from your GP, out of hours care and community services, such as physiotherapy or District nurse support.

“In addition, accepting out of area registrations would compromise our capacity to care for the patients who do live in our area.”

Cllr Williams said that in an ideal world they would like the surgery to be capped to 5,000 patients, and have extra doctors available, but admits that in reality, this isn’t going to happen.

“I’m here to support the surgery in any way I can and fully support the local residents. If you feel that you have an issue that isn’t being resolved I’m happy to take that up with the surgery,” added Cllr Williams.