Health Board responds to community feedback on Meddygfa'r Sarn
28 May 2026
Following engagement with patients, staff and the local community, Hywel Dda University Health Board has agreed to explore whether a new or existing General Medical Services (GMS) provider could take on the running of Meddygfa’r Sarn in Pontyates.
At its meeting today (Thursday 28 May 2026), the Board considered feedback gathered during the recent engagement period and acknowledged the strength of feeling about the future of the practice.
Board members heard how important local access to GP services is for the community served by Meddygfa’r Sarn in Pontyates and recognised concerns about the potential impact of closure. In addition, the Board heard that further information had emerged during the consultation period, including informal expressions of interest in running the practice.
As a result, the Board has agreed to explore whether there is sustainable interest in taking on the practice through a GMS contract. While this work progresses, Meddygfa’r Sarn will continue to operate as a managed practice and registered patients should continue to access GP services as they currently do.
During the eight-week engagement period, a small number of informal expressions of interest were received from potential providers interested in running the practice. While these early conversations are encouraging, the Board noted that any formal arrangement would require a robust procurement process and careful consideration of financial and operational viability.
The Health Board will now explore these opportunities further, which will include progressing an open and transparent procurement process in line with national Provider Selection Regime (PSR) regulations, should the Board decide this is a viable way forward.
Andrew Carruthers, Chief Operating Officer at Hywel Dda University Health Board, said: “We have listened carefully to what people have told us. We heard clearly how much Meddygfa’r Sarn means to the local community. That has emphasised how important it is that we take the time to fully explore the viability of the informal interest that has come forward around the future running of the practice.
“This allows us to respond directly to that feedback and consider whether there is a sustainable solution that could enable services to continue from the practice.
“We are grateful to everyone who took the time to share their views with us and help shape our thinking.”
Work will now continue to assess the level of commercial interest and determine whether a viable long-term solution can be identified through a formal commissioning process. The Health Board will keep patients, staff and stakeholders informed as this work progresses.
The Health Board is thankful for the ongoing support of the practice team at Meddygfa’r Sarn and registered patients can continue to access GP services as they do now.