Surgery patients fear reduction in services (From Western Telegraph)

Surgery patients fear reduction in services

PATIENTS at Hakin, Milford Haven, could still face a reduction in services supplied at the areas health centre, members of the countys health watchdog, the Pembrokeshire Community Health Council heard recently. In December, a public meeting - organised by local county councillor Barry Woolmer - was held in Hakin to discuss the proposed closure of the clinic on certain afternoons.

The suggested reduction in hours comes from Milford Havens Barlow House surgery, which five years ago took over running the health centre, after a single-handed doctor struggled to maintain a list of nearly 3,000 patients.

As a result of the recent Hakin meeting, the Pembrokeshire Local Health Group supported the issues raised by patients, and wrote to the Health Authority, citing that the area is deprived, lacks public transport, and that existing services should be maintained.

But, Local Health Group assistant general manager, Ifor Evans - speaking during the January meeting of the Community Health Council - cautioned that the reduction in services could still be approved.

Several Community Health Council members complained of the lack of liaison between Barlow House and Hakin patients, with no notice being given of the transfer of the blood and asthma clinic to the main surgery.

Mr Evans stressed that the GPs mooted the changes because they believed that, overall, patients would benefit.

The Community Health Council will also raise the issue of access to GPs, after members heard that in the Milford Haven and Neyland area, patients complain of a wait of two or more weeks if they wish to make an appointment with a named GP. * * * * * The long-running search for a permanent GP to fill what was once the single-handed doctors practice serving Neyland and Johnston looks set to continue.

Members heard that Pembrokeshire Local Health Groups clinical governance lead considered the current locum doctor was doing an excellent job, but further development was still needed. It was suggested that the Local Health Group continues to run the practice for a further year, with the hope that patient numbers will increase, enabling the practice to advertise for one-and-a-half doctors.

A further meeting to discuss the vacancy at the practice was scheduled for the end of January, with a press release to be issued to keep the public informed. * * * * * The Local Health Group has supported a reduction in opening hours of the branch surgery at Crymych because there are two other surgeries there, and the Whitland main surgery presented a well-argued case. However, a Community Health Council member and former GP regretted the closure of branch surgeries, describing them as very popular. * * * * * Members were pleased to hear that the county could be in line for four new ambulances, following the recent allocation of over £3 million to the Wales Ambulance Trust. * * * * * Concern was voiced at the on-going lack of occupational therapy for children with special needs, with fears raised that childrens services are not getting the priority and money they deserve. It was agreed that the Community Health Council would continue to raise their concerns with the Local Health Group and the Health Authority. * * * * * Members heard with regret that their long-serving chief officer Barbara Wilson is to retire at the end of March. The search for her successor is underway, with a shortlist and interviews to take place before the end of February.