HEALTH bosses are in talks with local GP practices around Cardigan as it prepares to transfer patients from Ashleigh Surgery when it closes at the end of February next year.

In August, the GP partners at Ashleigh Surgery terminated their General Medical Services contract with Hywel Dda Health Board following the inability to attract new GPs over the last few years.

The health board has considered all of the available options and has decided that the most appropriate arrangement will be to allocate patients to neighbouring surgeries and further discussions with local practices are now underway.

A statement said: “The health board is mindful of the impact on other practices and the concerns which patients may have at this time of change, and in determining the most appropriate practice for each patient, will consider where patients live in relation to practices across the local area.

“The health board 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 asked to remain registered with the practice while longer-term plans are developed.

A public engagement drop-in event will be held in Cardigan on Tuesday, November 20 at The Guildhall, Cardigan between 2pm-7pm and patients are encouraged to attend to discuss their concerns and give their feedback and ideas.

Health watchdog the Community Health Council (CHC) recently stepped up the pressure on Hywel Dda, saying it had to do more to inform patients of its plans for both Ashleigh Surgery and Teifi Surgery, at Llandysul, which is also set to close.

The two practices serve around 10,000 patients.

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.