Hain urges keeping doctors surgery in Swansea Valley

Local MP Peter Hain has called on Abertawe Bro Morgannwg UHB to ‘exhaust every avenue to ensure the GP provision in Cwmllynfell is maintained’. His concerns come following the notification from the current general practitioners to dissolve the practice which has lead to the local health board asking for expressions of interest to take over the practice.

Meddygfa Cwm Practice is located in Cwmllynfell with a branch in Ystalyfera.
In a letter to the Chief Executive of ABMU Mr Hain said, ‘I am heartened to hear that that the Health Board has already started the process of seeking expressions of interest from other GPs looking to provide the service.

‘Serving communities such as Ystalyfera, Cwmllynfell, Rhifawr, lower Brynamman, lower Cwmtwrch as well as communities outside of my constituency in Powys and Carmarthenshire, the Meddygfa Cwm Practice is a lifeline to residents because of the rural and isolated location of these communities. Therefore it is of vital importance that the level of service is at least maintained and if possible improved.

‘The surgery is relied upon by predominantly elderly residents who would have to travel long distances, across difficult terrain, with poor public transport links to see a doctor if the service was lost or diminished in any way. Ultimately I fear it would lead to pressures being felt on services elsewhere at a time when there is increasing pressures felt across the NHS.

‘I therefore urge you to secure the future of the practice swiftly to end any uncertainty and fear that will undoubtedly surface in these communities over the provision that is relied upon.’