Solva managed practice update

15 December 2023

Following the decision by Hywel Dda University Health Board (UHB) to run Solva Surgery as a Managed Practice in April this year, Hywel Dda University Health Board is pleased to confirm the establishment of a working group of local stakeholders to help shape the future of GP services across the St David’s Peninsula in North Pembrokeshire. 

The Peninsula Working Group will work with local stakeholders to find longer-term solutions to the sustainability of GP and primary care services across Solva and St David’s.  The group has met twice, and another meeting is scheduled for the New Year.

John Evans, Pembrokeshire County Director at Hywel Dda UHB, said: “We are continuing to work with the Solva Surgery Working Group, St David’s Surgery and Community representatives to develop a shared vision for services to support patients across this very rural area.  Our priority in recent months has been stabilising the Practice, supporting the team and developing the right skill mix. 

“At a time when both GP practices are under pressure, it is important that we maintain our focus on the longer-term picture of how we develop sustainable services.”

Meanwhile, recruitment to the Solva Surgery team has continued with a Lead Nurse now in-post and the nursing team now fully staffed.  Regular GP locums are working alongside Dr Unversucht and efforts to recruit more GPs to permanent roles are continuing. 

Work to consolidate services at Solva Surgery also continues. Minor building work and maintenance to the surgery is taking place in December and January. The Practice will remain open as normal through this, and the Health Board apologises for any inconvenience this may cause.  

Jill Paterson, Director of Primary Care and Long-Term Services at Hywel Dda UHB, said: “It has been a challenging year for the team in Solva Surgery and the support from the local Community has really helped this transition.  

“I am very pleased to confirm that Solva Surgery and St David’s Surgery have again reported the highest uptake of flu vaccination for any Practice in the Health Board and the Health Board’s immunisation team has been able to support St David’s Surgery with some of their Covid vaccination programme. 

“High vaccination uptake shows a willingness by patients to play their part in staying well over the winter. This is a huge achievement for small teams in busy Practices and reflects the dedication and organisation of the teams in Solva and St David’s.

“As we look forward to the New Year, the Health Board is committed to working as a part of the Peninsula Working Group to find longer-term solutions to the sustainability of GP and Primary Care services across Solva and St David’s.”