At Monday's meeting of the South East Pembrokeshire Community Health Network (SEPCHN), the chairman gave a report to those present of two meetings that he had attended.

Mr. Mansel Thomas said the first meeting had been with the new chair of the Hywel Dda University Health Board, Mrs. Bernadine Reese, and the other with members of the Local Health Board and Community Health Council.

Mrs. Reese had explained that she wanted to listen to and engage more with the concerns of the public.

The second meeting talked about the 'Triage and Treat' service that had been operated in Tenby over the summer.

Mr. Thomas explained his many concerns relating to the service, but it seems that this project is one which will be continuing and expanding.

The LHB said they would be doing a Map and Gap study of the service.

Mr. Tony Wales, a former member of the CHC, told the meeting that the 'Triage and Treat' service is successful in Scotland and is a service to enhance health care, not one to replace the MIU. Ways are being looked at to improve the service.

Mr. Thomas reiterated his concerns and insisted that there is a need for a proper replacement service for the MIU, as the GP service was inadequate, and is not being provided by the replacement service.

The next debate centred around ways in which the Welsh Assembly Government could save money so that services such as the MIU could be provided in rural areas.

The one big idea from the group was that the Welsh Assembly should rethink its policy of free prescriptions.

Many felt this was a waste of money and encouraged people to obtain far too many unnecessary medications.

The care closer to home mantra contrasting with the fact that most services are being moved eastward was another matter of great concern.

Mr. Wales stated that the new chair of the LHB wanted to set up public engagement meetings around the counties, and that as the new chief executive, who is due to take his position up soon, is from Devon or Cornwall, this might make him more understanding of our rural problems.

Sue Lewis, who is the Pembrokeshire county commissioner and director of health care, spoke to the meeting about the Tenby Cottage Hospital.

There is a possibility that ophthalmic services will be added to the services already being provided, and that there was a desire to bring more services to the facility.

The nurses that were moved from the Tenby MIU are helping to keep Withybush Hospital's A and E department going.

She explained that the problem with recruiting more GPs to the Tenby practice is not unique to the town, as there is apparently a nationwide shortage of GPs.

This shortage is causing difficulties for the GP out-of-hours service. The problem is a growing one which means that practice nurses will be asked to do more.

She said that when the plan for the next three years is signed off she would share it at a future SEPCHN meeting.

There is now a new third sector service to provide transport for those who needed it.

Members brought up the problem of people having to queue, at 8 am in the morning, to get on the day appointments at the Tenby surgery.

They said it was like a third world situation. Mrs. Lewis said that the CHC and LHB were investigating the problem.

Next it was explained that no interest had been shown in following the Flint referendum idea.

Mr. Thomas raised the subject of the future of SEPCHN, with most people stating that they wanted to continue with the meetings. Changing the venue was also discussed.

Mr. Thomas asked for someone to put themselves forward as chair, as he said he would like to stand down.

The next meeting will be organised by the LHB those attending were told.