Steps have been taken to safeguard Saundersfoot and Kilgetty GP surgeries a local county councillor has reassured the community.

Saundersfoot Medical Centre recently announced that its dispensary will be closing permanently at the end of March and no longer trading, with many speculating that its sister surgery in Kilgetty would follow suit.

County councillor for Saundersfoot’s south ward Cllr Chris Williams said that he recently held meetings with the management of both surgeries, stating: “I was strongly reassured that there is no intention to close Kilgetty Surgery. Whilst it is true that the GP Practice has faced significant financial and staffing challenges, as have most GP Practices across our country.

“This isn’t news to me, as we all know that in Wales, our health service is under considerable strain both in terms of finance and staffing.

“I have been informed that there has been a staff reorganisation in which some staff have opted for voluntary redundancy and some jobs have been advertised.

“I believe the decision to discontinue the dispensary services at Saundersfoot and Kilgetty was taken in order to safeguard the financial viability of the GP Practice and assure its future.

“However it is disappointing that this service will be lost and that members of staff will unfortunately lose their jobs.

“With regards to staffing, I understand the Practice try to provide HCA / nursing cover at Kilgetty everyday - bearing in mind they have to cope with staff sickness like everyone else. “They are obliged to offer GP service for 20 hours per week which I am told is exceeded. Generally there is no GP on a Friday.

“I do believe that these decisions have been extremely difficult and the practice manager has reassured me that they have had to take these necessary steps to safeguard both Saundersfoot and Kilgetty surgeries.

“I want to reassure residents that the pharmacy on the Strand will now be heavily relied on to dispense medication,” he continued.

Whilst Cllr Williams said that this was positive news for the Strand Pharmacy, he has raised concerns with Pembrokeshire County Council regarding the issuing of roughly 5,000 prescriptions on a monthly basis.

“Whilst this will strengthen business opportunities in the village, I am concerned of the amount of vehicles that will now be descending on The Strand and the challenges of parking. I will be speaking to fellow Saundersfoot County Councillor Alec Cormack on this and relay our concerns with PCC,” added Cllr Williams.

Saundersfoot Medical Centre made the annoucement about its dispensary earlier this month, with the facility’s business manager Debbie Lawton stating: “It is with regret that we are to inform you that from March 31, 2025 Saundersfoot dispensary will be closing and no longer trading.

“This means we will no longer be dispensing your medications. We have been in discussions with the local pharmacies who are happy to accept your prescriptions.

“Please let us know when vou have chosen vour preferred pharmacy and let them know, so we can make this transition for you as easy as we can.

“Reception and dispensary can help you with any queries or concerns you have.”

Saundersfoory Pharmarcy at The Strand; Kilgetty Pharmacy on Carmarthen Road; Seafront Pharmacy, Glen Pharmacy, and Boots in Tenby have all been listed as local pharmacies that offer home delivery.

“After this date (March 31, 2025) if we do not have a preferred pharmacy on your file, you can collect from the surgery to take it to a pharmacy or vour choice,” she continued.

“Thank vou for all the support you nave given the dispensary over the years.”