Views sought on proposed changes to GP services provided by Meddygfa'r Sarn
9 February 2026
Hywel Dda University Health Board has begun an eight‑week engagement period to gather views from patients and the local community on the proposed changes to GP services for people registered with Meddygfa’r Sarn in Pontyates.
This follows the Board’s decision last month to seek feedback before making a a decision on a recommendation to disperse the patient list to neighbouring practices.
In recent years, the practice has faced ongoing and significant staffing challenges and currently has no permanently employed GPs. The building itself is small and offers limited facilities. In October 2025, in line with national guidance, the health board convened a Vacant Practice Panel to review options for the long-term provision of GP services in the area.
The recommendation, made by a Vacant Practice Panel, proposes the most sustainable long-term solution for patients and for primary care services in the Amman Gwendraeth area is that patients be transferred to their nearest neighbouring practice. This could include Coalbrook Surgery in Pontyberem, Meddygfa Minafon in Kidwelly, or for some patients, practices in Llanelli.
The engagement period will run from 9 February to 6 April 2026 and feedback will help the Board understand how a potential transfer to another practice could affect patients, as well as what matters most to them in the delivery of GP services.
Patients can share their views by completing the questionnaire that will be posted to their home address or online through the Have Your Say website www.haveyoursay.hduhb.wales.nhs.uk (opens in new tab). Collection boxes to return paper copies of the questionnaire are available at Meddygfa’r Sarn and Pontyates Community Pharmacy.
The health board is also holding two public drop‑in events where patients can speak with representatives in small‑group discussions. Everyone is welcome to attend either session at any time during the advertised hours.
The first event will take place on Tuesday 24 February, from 1pm to 6.30pm, at Pontyates Welfare Hall, Heol Y Meinciau, Pontyates, SA15 5TR.
The second event will be held on Tuesday 3 March, from 3pm to 6pm, at Pontyberem Memorial Hall, 9 Coalbrook Road, Pontyberem, SA15 5HU.
People can also share feedback by telephone via the Health Board’s Communications Hub on 0300 303 8322 (option 5), or by emailing ask.hdd@wales.nhs.uk.
Views can also be shared with Llais by emailing westwalesenquiries@llaiscymru.org or calling 01646 697610.
Andrew Carruthers, Chief Operating Officer at Hywel Dda University Health Board, said: “We understand the impact this proposed change has had on the local community in Pontyates and so we want to listen carefully to the views of those most affected.
“Your feedback will help us explore what support may be needed and will inform the Board when it considers the recommendation in May. I encourage everyone who has an interest in Meddygfa’r Sarn to take part and to share their views with us.
All feedback submitted by 6 April will be collated and presented to the Board ahead of its meeting on 28 May, when the recommendation will be considered.
Meddygfa’r Sarn remains open as usual during the engagement period.