Local councillors continue to work with Saundersfoot Medical Centre to discuss ongoing challenges at the busy facility.

County councillor for Kilgetty and Begelly Cllr Alistair Cameron, recently told members of his ward’s Community Council that he, along with Saundersfoot’s county councillors Chris Williams and Alec Cormack, have held meetings at the centre to help address pressures.

An example was given of the high demand for appointments, highlighted during a week in February when there were 2224 calls of which 1264 were between 8 and 9am.

“As an alternative to ringing for an appointment, patients with access to the internet are encouraged to book online using the NHS Wales App which you can find on the medical centre’s website,” said Cllr Cameron.

“This should be a quick way to book an appointment and it will also ease some of the pressure on the reception staff who are taking calls. However, the centre recognises that some patients are unable to access the internet and need to book through the phone.

“If you want advice from your doctor, self-help information or have an administrative request such as a sick note or test result, you can use e-consult which can also be accessed from the medical centre website.

“This takes you through a series of questions to help establish what the issue is and within 72 hours you will get a response from the medical centre. Of course, if there is an emergency, you should still dial 999.

“You may not always need to see a GP and where there is an alternative service that would be appropriate for you, reception staff will signpost you to this,” he continued.

“Social care is a big strain on demands and if you are a carer, you can contact the team for assistance and assessment. Carers need to be registered even if they do not get paid to make sure they get all the support and help needed. You are able to register with social services or at the surgery.

“As councillors, we felt there has been an improvement in being able to get an appointment at the Medical Centre and we believe staff at the centre are working hard to provide a good service when the NHS is under enormous pressure.

“Whilst it can be frustrating, we ask that everyone is considerate towards the reception staff who are working hard to see to everyone’s needs,” added Cllr Cameron.