PLANS are being drawn up by health officials to move patients to neighbouring surgeries with news that a doctor’s surgery in Cardigan is to close.

Hywel Dda University Health Board is working with Ashleigh Surgery at Napier Street to ensure the continued provision of GP services in the area following the end of the practice’s General Medical Services contract.

The GP partners terminated their contract with the health board in August after failing to attract new GPs over the last few years.

The health board has considered all available options and will be looking to allocate patients to neighbouring surgeries. Discussions with other local practices are now underway.

The board is mindful of the impact on other practices and the concerns which patients may have and in determining the most appropriate practice for each patient, will consider where patients live in relation to practices across the local area.

It will be writing shortly to the patients registered at Ashleigh Surgery to inform them of the current situation.

Services will continue to be delivered at Ashleigh Surgery until February 28, 2019, and patients are being asked to remain registered with the practice while longer-term plans are developed.

A public drop-in event will be held in Cardigan on Tuesday, November 20 at The Guildhall, Cardigan between 2pm-7pm.

Jill Paterson, director of primary care, community and long term care for Hywel Dda, said: “The health board is committed to maintaining the high standards of care that are currently provided at Ashleigh Surgery and would like to reassure patients that the provision of these important services will continue in this area.

“We have agreed to work together with Ashleigh Surgery and neighbouring practices to find the best way to secure services for the patients.

“The Health Board recognises the continuing support given by the community to the team at Ashleigh Surgery and we appreciate the long service that Dr Knight and Dr Thomas have given to their patients.”

Patients can give their views to Michelle Dunning, senior primary care locality manager on Michelle.dunning@wales.nhs.uk or 01267 674064 or the Community Health Council on hyweldda@waleschc.org.uk or 01646 697610.