New Quay patients get a say in future GP services

New Quay patients can now give their views on how GP care should be provided after the surgery’s current contract ends on 31 March 2027. Hywel Dda University Health Board opened an eight-week engagement period on 12 October, with responses due by 6 December. Finding a new provider to deliver services from New Quay is the preferred option recommended by the board’s Vacant Practice Panel. No final decision has been made. The surgery remains open as normal and patients should remain registered.

The options under consideration

The panel recommends testing whether a new provider can be appointed through an urgent contract award. If that cannot be achieved, transferring the patient list to neighbouring practices is an alternative under consideration. The board is examining those practices’ boundaries to inform that possibility. Direct health-board management was considered but not recommended at this stage. The board cites staffing, operational and financial risks, including the difficulty of securing GPs. That is the board’s assessment, rather than a decision already taken to close the surgery.

How patients can respond

Registered patients will receive a paper questionnaire. Responses can also be submitted through the board’s Have Your Say website, by emailing ask.hdd@wales.nhs.uk, or by calling 0300 303 8322 and choosing option 5. Completed paper forms can be returned to the collection box at the surgery. A drop-in takes place at New Quay Memorial Hall, Towyn Road, on 11 November from 2pm to 7pm. An online event follows on 17 November at 6.30pm; email hyweldda.engagement@wales.nhs.uk for the link. A paper setting out the engagement and procurement outcomes is expected to go to the health board early next year.