Carl, who is himself a patient at the surgery, met with campaign co‑ordinator Clare Treharne outside the practice to discuss residents’ concerns and the growing frustration with the process being led by Hywel Dda University Health Board.
The future of the surgery has been hanging in the balance for months, with thousands of residents signing petitions, attending public meetings, forming human chains around the building, and raising formal complaints about the consultation process. Local councillors have repeatedly warned that they have “lost all confidence” in the health board’s handling of the issue.
Carl said:
“Pontyates Surgery is not just a building — it is a lifeline. For many residents, especially older people and those without transport, losing this surgery would mean losing access to basic healthcare. That is simply unacceptable.”
He added:
“I’ve spoken to patients, campaigners and local councillors. The message is the same every time: people feel ignored, sidelined and worn down by a process that seems designed to reach a predetermined outcome. This community deserves better.”
A community already fighting back
Over recent months, the campaign has escalated significantly:
- Hundreds have protested outside the surgery
- A petition has passed 1,000 signatures
- Residents have lodged formal complaints about the consultation
- Councillors have demanded an immediate halt to closure plans
- Confidence in the health board’s process has collapsed
Carl said:
“The strength of feeling here is extraordinary. People are organising, speaking up and standing together because they know what is at stake. I am proud to stand with them.”
Impact on rural healthcare
Carl emphasised that closing Pontyates Surgery would worsen already fragile access to healthcare across rural Carmarthenshire:
- Patients would be dispersed to already overstretched practices
- Travel times for appointments would increase dramatically
- Vulnerable residents would face new barriers to care
- Emergency pressures could rise as people struggle to access GPs
Carl continued:
“Rural communities like Pontyates are always the first to lose services and the last to see investment. This pattern has to end. Healthcare should be based on need, not postcode.”
Call for transparency and accountability
Carl is calling on Hywel Dda University Health Board to:
- Halt the closure process
- Publish clear, transparent evidence for any proposed changes
- Engage meaningfully with residents and campaigners
- Commit to maintaining GP provision in Pontyates
He said:
“People have lost trust in this process — and with good reason. The health board must reset its approach, listen to the community and guarantee that GP services will remain in Pontyates.”
Carl’s commitment
If elected, Carl has pledged to:
- Champion rural healthcare provision across Carmarthenshire
- Hold the health board to account on consultation and transparency
- Fight to protect local services from centralisation and cuts
- Stand with communities whenever essential services are under threat
Carl concluded:
“Pontyates has spoken with one voice: this surgery must stay open. I will continue to stand with residents every step of the way. This community will not be ignored.”
