Local Welsh Liberal Democrat MP David Chadwick and MS Jane Dodds, who have been raising residents’ concerns over the practice, have described the report as damning and called for urgent action from the authorities responsible for local health services.

The inspection, carried out on 2 June, received 531 responses from patients and carers, with HIW describing the results as showing a “predominantly negative patient experience”. Inspectors highlighted serious concerns around access to appointments, continuity of care, communication and patients being involved in decisions about their treatment.

The report found that 85% of respondents said they could not obtain a same-day urgent GP appointment, while 85% also said they could not access a routine appointment when needed. Some 79% of patients with ongoing medical conditions said they could not easily access regular support, while 72% said they could not contact the practice when needed by telephone or online.

Overall, 85% of respondents rated the service as poor, compared with just 15% who rated it as good. HIW also found that 73% of respondents did not feel listened to and 67% did not feel sufficiently involved in decisions about their healthcare.

Inspectors also identified safety concerns requiring immediate action, including expired emergency equipment and medication. Other issues identified during the inspection included the storage of a urine sample in an overstocked vaccine refrigerator and an unsecured oxygen cylinder.

The findings follow years of concerns from local residents about GP services in the Amman Valley, with problems stretching back to a previous HIW inspection in 2019.

Commenting, David Chadwick MP, Welsh Liberal Democrat MP for Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe, said: “This is a damning report and a vindication of the local residents who have been raising the alarm about these services for years.

“I want to thank every one of the 531 patients and carers who took the time to respond. That is an incredibly high level of engagement and shows just how strongly people feel about what has been happening.

“These complaints have been going on since at least 2019, yet the authorities responsible for our health services have repeatedly failed to get a grip on the situation. The previous Labour Health Minister failed to resolve these longstanding problems, and the current Plaid Cymru Health Minister must now act.

“I am calling on both Swansea Bay and Hywel Dda health boards to take urgent action in response to this report and set out clearly what they are going to do to ensure local patients receive the standard of care they deserve.

“There is a complete lack of accountability in our health services in Wales. When something goes wrong, patients are too often passed between GP practices, health boards and the Welsh Government, with nobody ultimately taking responsibility.

“Local residents deserve far better than that. I will not stop fighting on their behalf until we see the improvements our communities have been demanding for years.”

Jane Dodds Welsh Lib Dem Senedd Member for Brycheiniog Tawe Nedd said: “The sheer number of people who responded to this inspection demonstrates the depth of concern locally. Patients have been telling us for years about the difficulties they face accessing the care they need, and this report shows that those concerns cannot be dismissed or ignored.

“Everyone should be able to access their GP when they need them and have confidence that they will be listened to and involved in decisions about their own care.

“Patients have waited long enough for improvements. Swansea Bay and Hywel Dda health boards must now work with the practice to address the serious issues identified by inspectors and rebuild the trust of the local community.”

To read all your favourites stories online sign up to The Brecon & Radnor Express. Use promo code JOECORRICK to get £10 off your annual subscription.