The community group that led the fight to save Meddygfa’r Sarn has called it “a hugely important and emotional day” after the surgery was pulled back from the brink of closure.
Hywel Dda University Health Board agreed on Thursday to set aside its original proposal to disperse the Pontyates surgery’s patients, and instead begin a procurement process to appoint a new GP partnership to take it on.
For the Save Sarn Surgery Community Working Group, which has campaigned against the closure since January, the decision was the result they had fought months for.
Clare Treharne, of the Save Sarn Surgery Community Working Group, said the community was “absolutely delighted.”
“We are absolutely delighted that the Hywel Dda University Health Board has approved the decision to set aside the original dispersal proposal for Meddygfa’r Sarn and instead begin a procurement process to appoint a new GP partnership to run the surgery,” she said.
“This means that Sarn Surgery will now remain open.”
The board’s own decision was more measured. It agreed to explore whether a new or existing provider could take on the practice through a GMS contract, with any arrangement subject to a formal procurement process and “careful consideration of financial and operational viability.”
But campaigners said the board had also given a longer-term assurance about the village.
Treharne said the board had “confirmed its commitment to maintaining a long-term primary healthcare presence in Pontyates” — something she described as “extremely welcome news for local residents and families who rely on these vital services.”
She said the outcome had only been possible because the community refused to give up.
“This result has only been possible because our community came together with determination, dignity and a shared belief that local healthcare matters,” she said.
“From petitions and meetings to public support and attendance at today’s Board meeting, every single voice made a difference.”
The campaign drew in hundreds of residents over four months, taking in a human chain around the building, a petition to the Senedd topping 1,000 signatures, and a formal complaint over how the closure process was handled.
Treharne thanked everyone who had backed the campaign, singling out those who travelled to the board meeting to stand with the group.
“Your commitment, passion and solidarity have been extraordinary,” she said.
“A special thank you must also go to all those who attended the Board meeting today and stood with us throughout this campaign. We are proud that our community has been heard.”
She acknowledged the fight was not entirely over, with the procurement process still to run its course.
“While there is still work ahead as the procurement process moves forward, today’s decision is a major victory for Pontyates and the surrounding area, and a powerful reminder of what communities can achieve when they stand together,” she said.
She ended her statement with the words “Diolch o galon i bawb” — heartfelt thanks to everyone.
The board has said the surgery will continue to run as a managed practice while it assesses whether a long-term solution can be found, and that registered patients should continue to access GP services as they do now.
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