NHS Somerset has addressed concerns raised by Liberal Democrat MP Rachel Gilmour regarding GP availability in Minehead. During a Westminster Hall debate, the MP, representing Tiverton and Minehead, stated, “In Minehead, there is one GP serving 11,000 people. Rural premium or not, that is simply unacceptable.”
In response, NHS Somerset clarified that while there was a period earlier this year when only one full-time GP was employed, this did not represent the entire clinical support at Minehead Medical Centre. The centre has also relied on locum GPs and a broader team of clinical and non-clinical staff to provide patient care.
An NHS Somerset spokesperson explained, “Rachel Gilmour was correct that earlier this year there was one full-time GP; however, this was alongside locum GPs and other healthcare professionals. Without context, the impression that patients are supported by only one GP is misleading.”
READ MORE: Otter Garden Centres Expands Family-Run Legacy with Acquisition of Whitehall Garden Centre in Somerset
READ MORE: Glastonbury Festival Fans Struggle with Post-Festival Blues After Their Annual Escape
The spokesperson further detailed improvements made to staffing: “Minehead Medical Centre has significantly strengthened its team. Currently, there are 5.5 full-time equivalent GPs, a part-time advanced care practitioner, the equivalent of three full-time nurses, and 1.25 full-time equivalent pharmacy staff delivering direct clinical care. Additional support is provided by receptionists, a practice manager, and other staff.”
This clarification comes amid a broader national conversation on the challenges of accessing GP services, especially in rural and coastal areas where staff recruitment and retention continue to be difficult.