Hywel Dda University Health Board and Tenby GP Surgery are working closely together to minimise impact on patient care due to staff sickness at the practice.

Dr Phil Kloer, executive director of primary, community and mental health services for Hywel Dda UHB, said: "Tenby GP Surgery is currently experiencing high levels of staff sickness. On behalf of the practice, I'd like to reassure patients that the surgery is open and patients with appointments will still be seen as planned. Out of hours services are also unaffected.

"We recognise the importance of being able to access local general medical care and we are working closely with the practice at this time to minimise the impact on patient care. We will keep patients informed and provide an update at the earliest opportunity."

Patients registered at Tenby Surgery should continue to contact the practice as usual if an appointment is needed on 01834 840868, or to access out of hours services (evenings and weekends) the number to phone is 01437 769811. If you'd like to speak to a member of the health visiting team, please phone 01834 844623, or to speak to a member of the district nursing team, the phone number is 01834 840069.

Tenby also has three community pharmacies, Seafront Pharmacy and Boots on the High Street and Glen Pharmacy on Gas Lane. Pharmacies provide a range of services throughout the week and some out of hours. Opening times are available at http://www.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk/localservices/pharmacyinformation">www.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk/localservices/pharmacyinformation or by calling NHS Direct Wales on 0845 46 47.

TALKING HEALTH

The matter was raised at the recent Talking Health meeting in Whitland by Local Assembly Candidate, Marc Tierney, who said aftereards: "The meeting was a good opportunity for anyone with an interest in health services to question health managers. It shows that the new chair Bernie Rees and chief executive Steve Moore have every intention of building bridges with local communities that is a most welcome development.

"It was evident from the meeting that there is a huge variation in the way GP practices work. I have heard some really positive experiences of the Whitland GP surgery for example, however patients with a GP in Tenby continue to face real problems in accessing appointments over the phone and without queuing on the street.

"I understand that staff sickness cannot be foreseen, but the overall situation in Tenby has gone on for far too long. It is causing unnecessary anxiety for patients. If GP practices cannot deliver for their communities, then the Health Board must be proactive and step in to provide additional resources because that is what most patients would expect.

"I've received a number of emails raising concerns about the situation in Tenby in recent weeks, and I would urge anyone who has used the service recently to get in touch to share their experiences." [email protected]">[email protected]