This morning, (Tuesday, 30th May), Joel James MS visited Ferndale Medical Centre and Maerdy Surgery to receive an update regarding constituent concerns and staffing levels.
Many constituents contacted Joel in March after a social media post informing residents that Maerdy Surgery would be reducing their opening hours to two days a week – Monday and Tuesday, for six weeks. This caused great concern with constituents worried about the increased demand for appointments and the difficulties in accessing Maerdy’s sister surgery – Ferndale Medical Centre. Following contact with Practice Manager – Paula Morgan and also the Chief Executive of Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board – Mr Paul Myers, Joel was keen to visit the practices to obtain an update on service provision and understand some of the pressure the medical sector is experiencing.
On his visit, Joel met with the Clinical Lead – Dr Armstrong, and Primary Care Manager from the local health board – Ms Pugh. During their constructive meeting, Dr Armstrong and Ms Pugh informed Joel that Maerdy, in particular, suffered from major staff shortages and whilst the reduction of opening hours was not desired, the health board ensured that patients could still receive care and treatment at Ferndale Medical Centre. Following this update, Dr Armstrong and Ms Pugh were keen to discuss issues surrounding GP recruitment and retention as well as opportunities to improve digitisation within the Welsh NHS.
Following the visit and tours of both practices, Joel said:
“I am really pleased to have been able to visit Ferndale Medical Centre and Maerdy Surgery today and hear how the health board are working to maintain service provision for residents.
After speaking with Dr Armstrong and Ms Pugh, I am convinced that the health board and indeed the practices are doing everything they can to ease pressures and ensure every patient is seen too.
Our NHS is such a valuable service, and we must do everything we can to make sure it works for everyone.”
