South Pembrokeshire’s MS Samuel Kurtz has sounded the alarm over what he calls a “growing GP crisis” in his constituency, warning that Pembroke and Pembroke Dock patients are being left behind.
During Health Questions in the Senedd, Samuel highlighted the pressures facing Argyle Medical Group in Pembroke Dock, now the second largest surgery in Wales, caring for more than 22,500 patients with just nine GPs; that’s over 2,500 patients per doctor.
By contrast, Sketty and Killay Medical Centre in Swansea has 18 GPs for just under 22,000 patients, nearly double the workforce for the same number of patients.
Mr Kurtz said patients are facing long waits for appointments and that staff are under “unsustainable pressure”. He accused the Welsh Government of failing to plan for the healthcare needs of rural and coastal communities.
He urged the Health Secretary to act urgently to boost GP recruitment and retention, deliver fair funding for rural practices, and ensure residents can access timely, high-quality care.
Speaking after the exchange, Samuel said:
“Patients in Pembrokeshire deserve the same access to GP care as those in other parts of Wales, yet they’re being left behind.
“Doctors and staff at Argyle Medical Group are doing their very best under immense strain, but they simply don’t have the numbers to meet demand. This is a workforce crisis that needs immediate attention.”
“The Welsh Government must recognise the unique challenges faced by rural healthcare providers and act now to ensure communities in west Wales aren’t forgotten.”
“I’ve asked for an urgent meeting with the Minister, the Argyle Medical Group, and the Health Board so that we can work together to get a grip on this spiralling situation, which is the number one issue of concern in my inbox.”
