All 3,694 patients of a Cardigan surgery due to close on Thursday have been allocated places at neighbouring practices, health chiefs have confirmed.

Back in August, Ashleigh Surgery became the second south Ceredigion health centre to be taken over by Hywel Dda Health Board within a week.

A statement at the time read: “The GP partners have taken the difficult decision to terminate their contract with the health board following the inability to attract new GPs over the last few years.”

Last week a Hywel Dda spokesperson revealed that all patients on the surgery’s books had been allocated places at other local practices.

“Following a period of patient engagement with staff, patients, the local community and the community health council, the health board has now written to individual patients with details of their new practice,” she added.

In November, 170 people attended an event in Cardigan to discuss future general medical services in the area and patients were reassured they would continue to be offered these services from an alternative surgery close to where they live.

Jill Paterson, director of primary care, community and long-term care at Hywel Dda, said: “We wish to reassure patients that no-one will be without access to GP services.

“All patients have been allocated to a GP practice based on their home address and the practice boundaries and the need to balance the numbers between the practices to avoid any further destabilisation.

“We are continuing to work with all of  the practices involved to ensure as smooth a transition as possible.

“There may be some minimal disruption while patient records are transferred, so we appreciate the patience of all patients at this time of change.

“We would like to thank all practices involved for their co-operation during this transition period which will enable general medical services to continue to be provided in the area in a sustainable way.”