#StillHereForYou – Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today to help us to help you this winter

‘Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today’ – Benjamin Franklin’s famous quote rings true for anyone currently needing medical advice or attending a regular appointment. Hywel Dda University Health Board wants to reassure everyone that all primary care services are still here for you.

Jill Paterson, Director of Primary Care, Community and Long Term Care at Hywel Dda University Health Board, said: “Help us to help you this winter. By putting off small niggles or regular appointments you could potentially be putting more strain on NHS emergency services.

“It’s when that eye test is missed but you know your eyesight has deteriorated and that ends up being a nasty fall, or, that chesty cough that required medicine from a pharmacist persists and results in an emergency as it has developed into pneumonia.

“The way people access NHS services has changed, and while it might look different, health and care professionals are working hard to keep services running whilst trying to keep everyone safe and well.”

Dr Llinos Roberts, a GP at Tumble Surgery, says: “Do not put anything off. Local GP surgeries are open and we are here to offer medical advice and consult patients, either face to face or over the phone.”

Heddwyn Davies is an optometrist at Evans & Hughes opticians, which has branches in Llandovery, Llandeilo, Lampeter and Ammanford. He said: “Regular examinations are important to ensure you continue to enjoy the best possible vision.”

Dr Guto Griffiths, a dentist at Brynteg Dental Practice in Tenby, said: “Although we’re continuing to work our way through the backlog of check-ups we are open, along with all other dental surgeries, if patients have any sort of dental problem.”

Richard Evans, a community pharmacist from Llandysul, added: “While we have had to adapt our services during the pandemic, we have always been open and will continue to provide medication under the common ailments scheme or the emergency supply of medication.”

So our Primary Care services are here for you should you need to access them at this time.

Help us to help you:

• If you’re unsure how best to get treatment, check online: https://111.wales.nhs.uk/ or call 111 for advice.
• If you’re worried about persistent symptoms contact your GP.
• Please remember if you have COVID-19 symptoms, no matter how mild, self-isolate and book a test via the UK booking portal.