The health board has confirmed it will hold a drop-in event at Carway Hall on Tuesday 31 March, between 2pm and 6.30pm, for patients and residents to share their views on the proposed closure of Meddygfa’r Sarn.
The announcement comes amid an ongoing eight-week engagement period, which was launched after the health board voted in January to seek feedback on a recommendation to disperse the surgery’s 4,300 patients to neighbouring practices.
That proposal has sparked a furious backlash from the local community, with hundreds of people attending protest meetings and councillors demanding the health board halt the closure plans.
In a statement, the health board said the surgery has faced what it describes as “ongoing and significant staffing challenges” and currently has no permanently employed GPs. The board also claims the building is small and offers limited facilities.
It says that a Vacant Practice Panel reviewed the options and recommended that the most sustainable long-term solution would be for patients to be transferred to their nearest neighbouring practice.
The health board added this may include Coalbrook Surgery in Pontyberem, Meddygfa Minafon in Kidwelly, or, for some patients, practices in Llanelli.
Andrew Carruthers, Chief Operating Officer at Hywel Dda University Health Board, said the extra meeting was a chance for more people to have their say.
“We’re pleased to offer this additional opportunity in Carway to ensure more people, particularly those in surrounding communities, have the chance to speak directly with us and share their views about what the proposal means for them.”
The health board has confirmed the engagement period runs until 6 April.
It said all feedback will be collated and presented to the board ahead of its meeting on 28 May, when a final decision is expected to be made.
The health board also confirmed that Meddygfa’r Sarn will remain open as usual during the engagement period.
Patients can also provide feedback by completing the questionnaire posted to their home address or online at haveyoursay.hduhb.wales.nhs.uk, by calling 0300 303 8322 (option 5), or by emailing ask.hdd@wales.nhs.uk.
