ALL 6,000 patients from Teifi Surgery at Llandysul have been allocated to neighbouring GP practices ahead of when it closes on January 31.

Following a period of engagement with staff, patients, the local community and the Community Health Council, Hywel Dda health board has now written to individual patients with details of their new practice.

In October, over 500 people attended an event in Llandysul to discuss future general medical services in the area, and patients were reassured they will continue to be offered these services from an alternative surgery close to where they live after Teifi Surgery ends its contract at the close of January 2019.

Alternative places have also been offered to 4,000 patients at Ashleigh Surgery in Cardigan, which is also due to close at the end of February.

Jill Paterson, Director of Primary Care, community and long term care at Hywel Dda University Health Board said: “We wish to reassure patients that no-one will be without access to GP Services. All patients have been allocated to a GP practice based on their home address and the practice boundaries.

“We are continuing to work with the practices involved to ensure as smooth a transition as possible. There may be some minimal disruption while patient records are transferred.

“We would like to thank all practices involved for their co-operation during this transition period which will enable general medical services to continue to be provided in the area in a sustainable way.”

As part of the changes, Meddygfa Emlyn at Newcastle Emlyn will be taking on approximately 500 patients from Llandysul and 800 from Cardigan.

Dr Keir Kerrigan, who has been providing locum cover at the surgery, will join permanently in April, while an additional practice nurse and two new receptionists have also joined the staff.

A newsletter to patients says: “In order to accommodate our new staff we intend to undertake some relatively minor alterations to our building and will also utilise the now vacant dental suite.

“Inevitably there is likely to be some temporary disruption to our services while new team members settle in and the building work is being undertaken.

“We ask for your patience and consideration over the next few months.”

Community staff will continue to use Teifi Surgery in Llandysul as a base and the out of hours centre there will remain at Llynyfran Surgery.