The Town Clerk and Mayor of Pembroke Dock reported from the Patient Participation Group (PPG) at the Town Council meeting on July 11.

The group, which as yet has no formal constitution or mission statement, undertook interviews for new members, choosing seven from 15 applicants. The group advocates “little steps to try and make positive changes.”

PPG has been entering into dialogue with staff at the Argyle Surgery regarding appointments and the ’phone systems, advocating reception staff training and a script to create more consistency.

The surgery offers up to 80 appointments daily, depending on the number of doctors, but there is an inconsistency of availability. Sometimes, if it is considered urgent, receptionists talk with doctors to see if a patient can be slotted in. Forward appointments are minimal in number, with most of them being made by doctors; the remainder booked online.

The difficulty of getting a GP appointment at the Pembroke Dock is well-known, with several councillors citing recent examples. When appropriate, it was argued, receptionists should be signposting to alternatives, such as the pharmacist, Tenby Cottage Hospital or even Withybush Minor Injuries Unit. These provisions could be included in the script. “It’s common sense,” one councillor commented.