Latest update on changes to health board clinics at Lampeter Medical Practice

In June, Hywel Dda University Health Board advised patients of changes taking place concerning the relocation of clinics previously provided at Lampeter GP surgery. These changes were necessary as Hywel Dda University Health Board were not able to enter into a new long-term lease agreement to continue to provide those services from the practice site, as this action would have clashed with plans underway to develop integrated services for patients.
Five clinics have been temporarily moved since 1 July:
 . Speech and Language Therapy 
. Paediatric Clinic 
. Heart Failure Clinic 
. Community Dental Clinic 
. Podiatry Clinic
Patients currently receiving treatment via these clinics have been contacted and offered services at alternative sites within Hywel Dda, and anyone with a concern or a question to raise can contact Hywel Dda UHB’s Patient Support Services for further advice and support on 0300 0200 159.
Peter Skitt, Hywel Dda County Director for Ceredigion, said: “We would like to apologise again to patients for any inconvenience they have experienced whilst we have been put in place these alternative arrangements. We have worked hard to ensure the minimum of disruption and to make sure that people know how to get in touch with us if they are worried or need further information. What hasn’t changed is our commitment to continue to do the very best for our patients.
“We have taken the opportunity presented by this unforeseen situation to move forward swiftly with our plans to join up our services around the needs of patients and to provide more care closer to home. We have been meeting with the local authority to agree how to improve the use of existing NHS and local authority buildings in Lampeter, to provide more seamless care and support the sustainability of existing services. Where we have had to move services out of Lampeter we are
seeking to return these to the town so that local people can receive the care that they need within the community and close to their homes.”
Sue Darnbrook, Strategic Director of Care, Protection and Lifestyle Services at Ceredigion, said: “By working together we know we can provide better health and social care services to enable people to live more independent, healthier and happier lives. We are committed to working with the Health Board to develop plans that will make sure we have the right care in place for people when they need it – as part of this we are investigating options for relocating these clinics in a way that supports this shared vision. As service providers we are united in our desire to integrate services around the needs of people living in the Lampeter area.”
The Health Board is aiming to have a further update for patients in August and will be keeping service users directly informed about the latest developments.