Concern is mounting over the provision of health in the Amman Valley following the closure of Tycroes surgery.

And the problem has been further exacerbated by the fact that blood tests are no longer being carried out at the Margaret Street practice, in Ammanford.

But with many patients dependent upon public transport, locals fear they will be left without adequate health care provision.

“Many constituents have contacted me with their concerns around this whole issue and the impact that the surgery closure is going to have on the entire community,” said MP Jonathan Edwards.

“I've been told that the alternative sites that are available for phlebotomy services are not on a bus route, and constituents are having problems booking appointments at their closest option.”

Mr Edwards went on to say that one patient is facing a 31-mile round trip each time she needs a routine blood test.

“The cumulative effect of these issues, not to mention the dentistry crisis that the area is also facing, is causing great concern to a lot of people.”

Jonathan Edwards has now requested an urgent meeting with the chief executive of the Hywel Dda Health Board.

“We need a clinical rationale behind the change in these services, along with any assistance with transport that may be available for those who cannot drive to these locations,” he said.

“The Health Board has already stated that due to uncertainty with funding, Margaret Street Surgery is not replacing its Healthcare Support Worker, and as such, is unable to continue supporting the provision of secondary care phlebotomy.

"This whole situation is entirely unsatisfactory and much more needs to be done to ensure that the community continues to receive the medical support and care it requires.”

The Tycroes Surgery has been closed since February 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic during which time the building served as a ‘red site’ for the Amman Gwendraeth GP cluster.

Since its temporary closure, patients have used Margaret Street Practice, which is approximately two miles away.

It is understood that the Hywel Dda Health Board and the Community Health Council are currently working together to gain an understanding of how the closure would affect patients.

The period of engagement runs until Friday 24 June.