On Monday, over 150 residents attended a packed public meeting at Tairgwaith Community Centre, organised by Welsh Liberal Democrat MP for Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe David Chadwick and Welsh Lib Dem Senedd Member Jane Dodds in response to mounting concern about primary healthcare provision across the Amman Tawe area.

The meeting brought together residents from Tairgwaith, Cwmgors, Cwmllynfell, Gwaun Cae Gurwen and Brynamman alongside representatives from Swansea Bay University Health Board, Hywel Dda University Health Board, Health Inspectorate Wales and Llais.

Attendees shared deeply concerning experiences about access to GP services, including difficulties securing appointments and a large number of complaints about low-quality care.

Patients have also reported being given appointments in practices not local to them, resulting in long journey times, some of which are extremely difficult for older patients to navigate.

There was a strong sense that the local area has been overlooked for too long when it comes to primary care.

Following representations from Mr Chadwick and evidence provided by residents, Health Inspectorate Wales has agreed to carry out another inspection of the Amman Tawe Partnership later this year (for the first time since 2019); and Swansea Bay University Health Board have also agreed to look into the situation.

The meeting follows two earlier meetings held by Mr Chadwick in the area, in August and in February, and forms part of his ongoing work to push for improvements in local healthcare provision.

Commenting, Welsh Liberal Democrat MP for Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe David Chadwick said: “This meeting made clear the scale of the problem and the strength of feeling locally. People are extremely frustrated after years of struggling to access basic healthcare in their community.

“It is clear that people have had enough, and that urgent action is needed.

“I organised this meeting to follow up on the two previous meetings I held in the area, having promised to ensure local voices were heard directly by those responsible. We heard very concerning experiences, and it is vital these now lead to real change.

“I am pleased that Health Inspectorate Wales have agreed to carry out another inspection of the Amman Tawe Partnership. This is an important step towards securing accountability and ensuring improvements are delivered.

“I will continue working to ensure that residents get the reliable and accessible primary care they deserve.”

Adding her comments, Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader Jane Dodds MS said: “The stories coming out of this meeting are deeply worrying and reflect what so many people across Wales are experiencing.

“Access to a GP should never feel like a battle. It is a basic part of a functioning healthcare system.

“This reinspection must lead to real accountability and urgent action. People are right to be frustrated, and they deserve far better than the service they are currently receiving.”