UNDER-PRESSURE GP surgeries in Pembrokeshire have made some new appointments but trouble could be brewing at other centres – notably at Crymych and Newport.

Community and primary care manager at Hywel Dda health board Sonia Hay updated the community health council (CHC) on GP service provision

While the situation has improved in Fishguard and Goodwick with the “amalgamation” of the two practices, there are risks at Newport and Crymych, along with Milford Haven’s Robert Street Surgery.

Mrs Hay added that at Newport and Crymych, one GP had resigned and three others were nearing retirement age so “proactive work” was being done to continue the services.

There are currently 38.3 full time equivalent GPs working in Pembrokeshire plus locums in managed practices the CHC heard, and 34 part time and 1.5 vacancies identified by practices, although final figures are pending from two.