Future of nurse-led services in Wales’ smallest city under review
Nation.Cymru staff
The future of nurse-led health services in Wales’ smallest city is uncertain after a GP practice applied to close its branch surgery.
Hywel Dda University Health Board is asking patients and residents in St Davids for their views after Meddygfa Penrhyn applied to discontinue services from its branch at Shalom House.
The practice has told the health board that operating from a single site in Solva, 3.4 miles away, would allow GPs, nurses and administrative staff to work together and provide more integrated care.
The future of the branch has also been complicated by the sale of Shalom House, which means the premises will no longer be available from September 30.
The health board said no suitable alternative premises have yet been identified.
No decision has been made on whether nurse-led branch services should continue in St Davids, with a public engagement exercise now running until October 16.
In the meantime, clinics normally held at Shalom House will transfer to Meddygfa Penrhyn in Solva.
The health board will write to patients with questionnaires seeking their views on the potential changes.
A public drop-in session will also be held at St Davids City Hall between 2pm and 7pm on Wednesday, September 23, where residents will be able to speak to health board representatives.
Andrew Carruthers, chief operating officer at Hywel Dda University Health Board, said: “We recognise how important local healthcare services are to the people of St Davids and the surrounding communities.
“Before any decisions are made, we want to hear directly from patients, carers, residents and community groups about how they use these services and what impact any changes may have on them.
“This engagement is an opportunity for people to share their experiences, concerns and suggestions, helping us build a clear understanding of local needs. I would encourage anyone with an interest in these services to complete the questionnaire or attend our drop-in event so their views can be considered as part of the process.”
Wider provision
Mr Carruthers said the health board also wanted to use the exercise to consider the wider provision of health and wellbeing services in the community.
He added: “The views shared through this engagement will help inform not only our understanding of current services, but also future opportunities to develop more connected, community-focused approaches that support people to stay well closer to home.”
Feedback will be considered by the health board ahead of a meeting in January 2027, when a recommendation on the future of the service is expected to be considered.
Meddygfa Penrhyn will remain open as usual in Solva.
Support our Nation today
For the price of a cup of coffee a month you can help us create an independent, not-for-profit, national news service for the people of Wales, by the people of Wales.
Get more trusted Welsh news
Choose Nation.Cymru as a preferred source in Google News to see more of our journalism.
