Local Senedd Member Paul Davies has slammed the Health Board’s decision to proceed with the transfer of patients from St David’s surgery to surgeries elsewhere in Pembrokeshire.

At a Board Meeting on Thursday, September 26, Hywel Dda University Health Board announced that it is in discussions with Shalom House in St Davids about the establishment of a Branch Surgery following the closure of St David’s Surgery.

From November 1, 2024 the Solva GP Surgery will be known as the Peninsula Practice/ Meddygfa Penrhyn to reflect the broader reach of the Practice.

Jill Paterson, Director of Primary Care, Community and Long-Term Care said: “The planning for the transition is well under way. Patients don’t need to do anything – we will be transferring all records and registrations.”

The decision to transfer patients from St David’s Surgery was made following an extensive period of engagement with patients at the practice and Llais, the patient’s voice organisation for Wales. This followed the decision by the one GP who runs the surgery to resign his General Medical Services Contract.

For those who need to travel to the Peninsula Surgery in Solva, there will be information regarding public transport options for patients on the surgery website.

The employed staff at St David’s Surgery will transfer to Peninsula Practice to join the growing team there.

Patients who require help or further information should call 0300 303 8322 (option 5), or email [email protected].

Paul Davis MS commented: “It’s shameful that Hywel Dda University Health Board is pushing ahead with these plans, despite the vocal opposition shown by the local community.

“The city of St David’s will soon be the only city in the United Kingdom without a GP surgery, and I’m appalled that the Health Board has allowed this to take place. For many people the travel to other surgeries from St David’s is just too far and too stressful and a weak commitment to coordinate surgeries with bus times is just not going to cut it.”

“Residents have been trying to engage with the Health Board and urging the management to look at a range of other options and it appears as though the Health Board is unwilling to consider the views of the people of St David’s. The people of St David’s deserve better, and I hope all political representatives in Pembrokeshire can work together to stand up for the local community.”