A "damning" report from Healthcare Inspectorate Wales (HIW) has revealed a number of concerns over a Neath Port Talbot-based GP surgery after an inspection that took place earlier this year. The report on the Amman Tawe Partnership practice in Gwaun Cae Gurwen was first published in October 2026 after an inspection that was carried out in June.
Expired equipment and cross-contamination risks
It highlighted how inspectors found expired emergency equipment and medications at the site, along with a urine sample being stored in an "overstocked" and "disorganised" vaccine refrigerator which it said created a risk of cross-contamination. During the visit inspectors also found an unsecured oxygen cylinder and a disabled toilet that did not have an emergency pull cord fitted in it.
Patient survey shows negative experience
The published report included a patient questionnaire which received 531 responses, and showed a "predominantly negative patient experience" in relation to access, appointment availability, continuity of care and patient involvement in decisions. It revealed that 85% of respondents rated the service as poor, while disagreeing that they could obtain a same-day urgent GP appointment or access routine appointments when needed. Among patients with ongoing medical conditions, 79% of them said they could not access regular support easily.
Improvement plan and political response
As part of an improvement plan included in the report the Amman Tawe Partnership said it would ensure all emergency equipment and medications were checked and logged on a weekly basis. Additionally, it noted that an emergency pull chord had been installed in the toilet shortly after the inspection with the urine sample removed and the contents of the fridge reorganised on the same day. Inspectors added that the practice maintained a clean and well-maintained environment with generally effective leadership and governance arrangements in place.
However, local MP for Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe David Chadwick of the Welsh Liberal Democrats described the report as damning after what he said were years of concerns from local residents. He said: "This is a damning report and a vindication of the local residents who have been raising the alarm about these services for years.
"I want to thank every one of the 531 patients and carers who took the time to respond. That is an incredibly high level of engagement and shows just how strongly people feel about what has been happening." He added: "I am calling on both Swansea Bay and Hywel Dda health boards to take urgent action in response to this report and set out clearly what they are going to do to ensure local patients receive the standard of care they deserve.
"There is a complete lack of accountability in our health services in Wales. When something goes wrong, patients are too often passed between GP practices, health boards and the Welsh Government, with nobody ultimately taking responsibility. Local residents deserve far better than that. I will not stop fighting on their behalf until we see the improvements our communities have been demanding for years."
Jane Dodds, Senedd Member for Brycheiniog Tawe Nedd said: "The sheer number of people who responded to this inspection demonstrates the depth of concern locally. Patients have been telling us for years about the difficulties they face accessing the care they need, and this report shows that those concerns cannot be dismissed or ignored. Everyone should be able to access their GP when they need them and have confidence that they will be listened to and involved in decisions about their own care."
Rhian Bond, assistant director of primary care at the Hywel Dda University Health Board, said: "Our Health Board has reviewed the content of the HIW report and is taking appropriate action in line with the GMS contract Regulations. Hywel Dda is working closely with colleagues in Swansea Bay University Health Board, recognising that the contract held by Hywel Dda for the Amman Tawe Partnership delivers general medical services to patients resident in both Health Boards."
A spokesperson for the Swansea Bay University Health Board added: "We're working closely with Hywel Dda Health Board in response to the Healthcare Inspectorate Wales report. We are grateful to HIW for their report and to everyone in the community who has provided feedback."
