Over recent weeks members of the South East Pembrokeshire Community Health Network (SEPCHN) have continued efforts to help improve health provision in the area.

Group members recently met with Vaughan Gething, deputy health minister for the Welsh Government, and it was stressed how local health services had declined.

The minister was told there was no longer an NHS dentist nor optician in the area; the Minor Injury Unit had been closed with no effective replacement; and the Tenby Surgery was finding great difficulty in recruiting GPs, which was causing problems for patients.

It was stressed that solutions were urgently required and the Welsh Government was urged to help find solutions.

As recently reported at the regular SEPCHN meeting, following representations regarding the low level of NHS provision in this area, the chair of the Hywel Dda University Health Board, Bernadine Rees, proposed the setting up of the Tenby Community and Primary Service Development Service Group.

Members of SEPCHN attended the first meeting, where objectives were tabled to review current provision and consider other service models from across the country, including USC walk-in centres.

The aim is to provide a long-term sustainable model of provision which is fully supported by all those involved and which will include a long-term plan, aims and objectives.

This will include all facets of provision, including the Tenby and Saundersfoot surgeries, the Welsh Ambulance Service and social care.

SEPCHN stressed that patients needed to be involved in decisions and be at the centre of arrangements, and that effective communication was essential, with patients needing to be informed of changes and procedures effectively.

"The next in a series of meetings is planned in the near future when the Health Board will present ideas for possible development," said SEPCHN chairman, Mansel Thomas.

"What the result of discussions will be, remains to be seen, but if this community is to regain facets of its health service, pressure will need to be maintained.

"Members of SEPCHN and the community are encouraged to raise the issue of local health services with all political candidates at the election, seeking their support," he added.