Carwyn questioned on GP surgery's future (Brecon & Radnorshire Express)

THE future of a Brecon Beacons GP surgery has been raised with First Minister Carwyn Jones in the Senedd.
The number of GP sessions at the Coelbren Health Centre was reduced last autumn from four a week to two.
Joyce Watson, AM for Mid and West Wales, said it has been reported there could be further cuts because of issues with GP recruitment and retention at the surgery’s main practice in Seven Sisters near Neath.

The Labour AM highlighted the recruitment issues faced by the surgery in the Senedd.
She asked the Welsh Government for a statement on GP recruitment in Powys and told Carwyn Jones she had attended a public meeting, in Ystradgynlais, discussing health in the area.
Ms Watson said: “One of the big challenges that they were facing was GP recruitment, particularly in the Coelbren surgery.”
Mr Jones said the Welsh Government is planning a national and international campaign to market Wales and the NHS in Wales as attractive places to work.
He said: “That will include work to recruit, train and retain GPs and primary care professionals and to address the issues faced in Powys and across Wales.”
He added: “Coelbren is part of the Dulais Valley general practice in Seven Sisters. There have been recruitment problems, and the result of that has been that the number of GP sessions in Coelbren have been reduced.
“I know the practice is going through a sustainability support process with Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Local Health Board, because, even though it’s physically within the Powys Teaching Local Health Board, its area of operation is in ABMU, and the two health boards are working closely to agree a longer-term solution to ensure the ongoing provision of high-quality services.”