Alun Cairns is the MP for Cowbridge and the Vale of Glamorgan. Each week, in his new regular column in Cowbridge Nub News, Alun will discuss local issues affecting the community

In my first column with the Nub News to, I want your feedback to support and help enhance GP services.

We have all understood the impact of Covid and the strain it has put on our wonderful National Health Service. GPs and local surgeries have been at the centre of the pressures.

Rightly, I want to pay tribute to our doctors, nurses and support staff who have worked incredibly hard over the past 18 months and continue to do all they can to serve our community. GPs are often the first port of call for patients, and they are core to ensuring the right care is received.

Understandably the service GPs provide has had to adapt to manage the Covid risk. As we slowly but surely exit pandemic restrictions we have seen different approaches being taken by different GP practices – some have moved back to face-to-face appointments while others predominately stick to phone/virtual consultations.

Clearly, phone call appointments and Zoom consultations offer the flexibility many patients want, but many prefer one-to-one, face to face meetings. Patients deserve a choice between the two and face to face appointments must be accessible.

In order to understand the broadest picture, I should be grateful if you would contact me to share your experience of approaches taken by your GP practice. I would like to hear about different surgeries and the form of care they provide, in order to highlight best practice.

I am working closely with the Community Health Council and the Local Health Board to ensure GP's and patients receive the necessary support so that the best care possible is provided.

There has also been a significant housing expansion in the Vale over the last five years and it is only right that resources to GP practices are increased accordingly. Please email, [email protected] to share your experiences and I will ensure I support both GP's and patients locally.

Finally, I would like to thank and pay tribute to the Nub News for this excellent platform and focus on community news and initiatives across the Vale, it is great to see their reach growing.