The move comes after months of community anger, political pressure and repeated warnings from residents that losing Meddygfa’r Sarn would be a “massive blow” to the village. The health board had been expected to make a final decision last month, but delayed the vote following a fierce backlash and calls from councillors to halt the closure plans.
Now, officials say they want to “listen carefully” before deciding whether to press ahead with the recommendation to shut the practice and transfer patients to surgeries in Pontyberem, Kidwelly or Llanelli.
The engagement period runs from 9 February to 6 April, with questionnaires being posted to every household and drop‑in events planned in Pontyates and Pontyberem.
Hywel Dda says the surgery has faced “ongoing and significant staffing challenges” for years and currently has no permanently employed GPs. The building itself is described as small, outdated and offering “limited facilities”.
In October, the health board convened a Vacant Practice Panel — a process used when a GP practice can no longer sustain itself — which concluded that dispersing the patient list was the “most sustainable long‑term solution”.
But the proposal has sparked deep concern in the Amman Gwendraeth area, where residents say the surgery is a lifeline for older people, those without transport and families who rely on being able to see a doctor locally.
Local councillors have repeatedly urged the health board to rethink, warning that neighbouring practices are already under pressure and that dispersal could leave vulnerable patients travelling miles for care.
In a statement launching the engagement period, Andrew Carruthers, Chief Operating Officer at Hywel Dda, acknowledged the strength of feeling.
“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,” he said.
“Your feedback will help us explore what support may be needed and will inform the Board when it considers the recommendation in May.”
Residents can return paper questionnaires to Meddygfa’r Sarn or Pontyates Community Pharmacy, complete the survey online, or attend one of two public drop‑in sessions:
Tuesday 24 February, 1pm–6.30pm, Pontyates Welfare Hall
Tuesday 3 March, 3pm–6pm, Pontyberem Memorial Hall
Feedback can also be submitted by phone or email by emailing ask.hdd@wales.nhs.uk, and Llais — the statutory patient voice body — is gathering views separately.
All responses will be presented to the health board ahead of its meeting on 28 May, when the future of the surgery will finally be decided.
For now, Meddygfa’r Sarn remains open as usual — but the community knows the clock is ticking.
