LOCAL politicians are the latest to voice their concerns over the closure of two GP surgeries in Ceredigion.

Ashleigh Surgery in Cardigan and Teifi Surgery at Llandysul – which between them serve 10,000 patients – are both set to close in the coming months.

MP Ben Lake and Mid and West Wales AM Elin Jones have met with health board chief executive Steve Moore and Jill Paterson, director of primary, community and long-term care to discuss the surgery closures.

They have also written to Welsh Government health secretary Vaughan Gething raising their concerns and asking him to intervene but have yet to receive a response.

Ms Jones said: “Ben Lake and I recently met with the chief executive of Hywel Dda health board to discuss the surgery closures in Cardigan and Llandysul.

“We emphasised the need to carry out a comprehensive assessment on the impact these closures will have not only on the patients of both Ashleigh and Teifi Surgeries, but also on the neighbouring surgeries and their existing patients.

“We sought assurances regarding the ability of neighbouring practices to absorb the dispersed patients in areas already facing capacity and recruitment problems.

“We hope that our concerns are given due consideration by the Health Board and that a detailed plan for the short and long term provision of primary care in the Teifi Valley is made available to patients no later than Christmas.

“We have also been pursuing the Welsh Government on this matter and are awaiting a response from the health minister.”

Last week, the Community Health Council watchdog stepped in to voice its concerns to Hywel Dda health board.

A drop-in event has already been held by Hywel Dda at Llandysul and another is planned at Cardigan Guildhall for patients at the town’s Ashleigh Surgery. It takes place on Tuesday, November 20, from 2pm-7pm.