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Public engagement on the future of GP services in Cross Hands and Tumble starts

27 October 2023

Hywel Dda University Health Board (UHB) has commenced the public engagement process that will determine the long-term future of General Practice (GP) services for the patients of Cross Hands and Tumble Surgery.

The move by the Health Board follows the resignation of their General Medical Services contract by the Partners of the Cross Hands and Tumble Surgery in Carmarthenshire, effective at the end of March 2024.

There are a number of ways registered patients can have their say on the future of services, including a drop-in event at Tumble Village Hall on Wednesday 8 November 2023 where staff from the Health Board’s Primary Care team will be available to have a conversation between 2pm and 7pm.

Jill Paterson, Director of Primary Care, Community and Long-Term Care for Hywel Dda UHB, said: “The Partners have tried unsuccessfully to recruit an additional GP or Advanced Practitioner to join their busy practice, but have been unable to do so. 

“Unfortunately, they have decided that the resignation of their GMS contract is their only remaining option. 

“Since that decision was announced, my team have been working with the Practice, members of the Amman and Gwendraeth GP Cluster, Llais and other key stakeholders, to identify options for the future of GP services for the 7,500 registered patients.

“A panel with representation from Llais and the Local Medical Committee has identified two viable options to continue the delivery of General Medical Services to the local Community and we are focused on developing these options. Either the Contract will be retendered to find another Provider, or the patient list will be redistributed among neighbouring GP practices by the Health Board.

“Before any final decision can be made, the Health Board needs to listen to the views and concerns of patients. This process will begin from 30 October to 26 November 2023 and we are keen to hear from as many patients as possible.”

Members of the public can have their say by:

  • Attending a drop-in event on Wednesday 8 November 2023, between 2 and7pm (drop-in anytime) at Tumble Village Hall (Heol Y Neuadd, Y Tumble, SA14 6HR)
  • Completing a questionnaire: collection boxes for questionnaires are available at the Cross Hands and Tumble Surgery. Patients can also return them by posting to FREEPOST HYWEL DDA HEALTH BOARD
  • Calling 0300 303 8322 and selecting option 5 for ‘other services’.
  • Emailing ask.hdd@wales.nhs.uk
  • Responding to the online questionnaire hosted on the Hywel Dda University Health Board’s Have Your Say / Dweud eich Dweud website   www.haveyoursay.hduhb.wales.nhs.uk
  • Providing feedback direct to Llais at Suite 5, 1st Floor, Ty Myrddin, Old Station Road, Carmarthen SA31 1LP, calling 01646 697610 or emailing westwalesenquiries@llaiscymru.org

Llais, the patient voice organisations for Wales is supporting the engagement process and will be in attendance at the public event, alongside members of the Hywel Dda Primary Care team and members of the Amman and Gwendraeth GP Cluster.