HEALTH chiefs have admitted they are struggling to provide enough Welsh-speaking GPs in mid Wales.

A report into Welsh-speaking staff in primary care showed that, while Hywel Dda has one of the highest concentrations of Welsh-speaking patients, there are just six Welsh-speaking GPs.

But the health board has insisted it is working hard to ensure Welsh speakers can access services, although said there was more to be done.

Sarah Jennings, the health board’s director of governance, communications and engagement, said: “Hywel Dda Health Board has always taken its statutory duties towards the Welsh language very seriously.

“As an organisation we always try to deliver local health care services in the service users’ language of need, although we recognise that this has not been consistently achieved. Where we are, at the moment, is not where we want to be.

“We are committed to complying with and embracing the spirit of the Welsh Language Standards as well as working towards being the first health board where both languages are treated with equal status."

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