Application to close Tycroes branch surgery received by health board 

Hywel Dda University Health Board has received an application from Margaret Street Practice, Ammanford, to close its branch surgery, Tycroes.

Tycroes has been closed since February 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the building served as a ‘red site’ for the Amman Gwendraeth GP cluster. Prior to the pandemic, the Branch was used mainly for phlebotomy clinics (blood tests).

Since its temporary closure, patients of Tycroes have used Margaret Street Practice, which is approximately two miles away. There is a regular bus route between the two Surgeries.

Margaret Street Practice, Hywel Dda University Health Board and the Community Health Council are working together to engage with patients of both surgeries to gain an understanding of how a proposed closure would affect patients. A period of engagement commences on Monday 9 May and runs until Friday 24 June. Patients can provide feedback in the following ways:

• Completing a feedback form at surgeries and pharmacies
• Calling 0300 303 8322, option 4
• Emailing Hyweldda.Engagement@wales.nhs.uk
• Writing to Tracey Huggins, Head of GMS Services, Primary Care Team, Felinfoel Community Resource Centre, Felinfoel, Llanelli, Carmarthenshire, SA14 8BE
• Online via www.haveyoursay.hduhb.wales.nhs.uk and the My Surgery app

Should Tycroes close, the potential benefits for patients include more available appointments for all patients at the Margaret Street Practice, as staff would not be covering two sites, and earlier and later appointments could be offered from Margaret Street.

Patients would still be able to use the Tycroes Pharmacy and the Practice would continue to send all requested prescriptions to the pharmacy.

Jill Paterson, Director of Primary Care, Community and Long Term Care for Hywel Dda University Health Board said: “We are committed to listening to and engaging with local populations around the proposal  to relocate Primary Care services from Tycroes Surgery to Margaret Street and we would therefore like to invite patients to get involved in the engagement process.

“We are committed to working closely with the Practice and the Community Health Council throughout this process and will keep patients informed of the results of this engagement exercise.”

Vice Chair of Hywel Dda Community Health Council, Dr Barbara Wilson said: “GP services are so important to the communities they serve. When the health board comes to make its decision about the future of Tycroes branch surgery, it’s crucial that the public have their say.

“Whether people support this proposal or oppose it, the CHC will be ensuring that those views are heard and understood by the health board.”

Patients are reminded that services are also available through local community pharmacies who offer a range of expert services. Find out more here: https://hduhb.nhs.wales/healthcare/services-and-teams/pharmacy/