Saundersfoot Medical Centre Enhances Patient Access Amid Illness Surge

Recent weeks have posed significant challenges for the Saundersfoot Medical Centre as it grapples with an increase in patient demand due to a surge in seasonal illnesses. In response to growing concerns from the community, local county councillors Chris Williams and Alec Cormack have organized a meeting on December 10, 2023, aimed at addressing these issues and collaborating on practical solutions.

Councillor Williams noted that they have received numerous emails from residents expressing their worries about accessing medical care. “We have been in contact with the surgery team to offer our support. We fully acknowledge that the surgery has been under considerable pressure,” he stated. The councillor highlighted that the early onset of winter illnesses, coupled with a rise in local Covid-19 cases, has exacerbated the situation.

To alleviate some of the difficulties, the surgery has implemented several measures intended to improve patient access. Recent upgrades to the computer system now allow for more same-day appointments to be booked online starting at 7:45 AM each day. Furthermore, the number of pre-bookable online appointments has been increased threefold, with expectations that by the end of November, patients will also be able to book appointments via telephone automatically.

The surgery will also reintroduce telephone triage, which enables staff to evaluate the urgency of patient calls and direct them to the most appropriate care. “While these steps are intended to reduce the morning rush and improve efficiency, we recognise that some patients are still finding it difficult to secure appointments,” Cllr Williams added. The upcoming meeting will specifically focus on these accessibility concerns and ensure the needs of local residents are adequately represented.

In addition to these measures, the surgery encourages patients to utilize the Common Ailments Scheme, available through local pharmacies, including Saundersfoot Pharmacy. This scheme offers advice and treatment for a variety of minor illnesses without requiring a GP appointment, thus further easing the pressure on the medical centre.

The combined efforts of the surgery and local councillors demonstrate a proactive approach toward enhancing healthcare access in Saundersfoot during this particularly demanding period. As discussions continue, the focus will remain on finding effective solutions that cater to the community’s needs.