NHS Somerset has responded to concerns raised by Liberal Democrat MP Rachel Gilmour regarding GP availability in Minehead. During a Westminster Hall debate, Gilmour highlighted that only one GP was serving 11,000 patients in the area, describing the situation as “simply unacceptable.”
However, NHS Somerset challenged this assertion, explaining that while there was a period earlier this year when only one full-time GP was present, this did not reflect the full staffing picture at Minehead Medical Centre. They emphasized that locum GPs, alongside a variety of other clinical and non-clinical personnel, were actively supporting patient care.
A spokesperson from NHS Somerset stated, “Rachel Gilmour’s comment, without the broader context, might lead the public to believe that patients rely solely on one GP, which is not accurate.” They further noted that staffing at the practice has since been bolstered.
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Currently, Minehead Medical Centre is supported by 5.5 full-time equivalent GPs, a part-time advanced care practitioner, the equivalent of 3 full-time nurses, and 1.25 full-time equivalent pharmacy staff who provide direct patient care. This team is complemented by receptionists, a practice manager, and additional support staff, enhancing the quality of care offered.
This response arrives amid ongoing national concerns about GP access, particularly in rural and coastal communities, where recruitment and retention challenges persist.