Seven GP surgeries across South Somerset have united in a successful merger aimed at raising the standard of NHS care available to patients in the region.
Symphony Healthcare Services, a subsidiary of the Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, manages seven surgeries across four separate contracts within the South Somerset West primary care network (PCN), alongside additional services elsewhere in the county. At the end of July 2025, the provider expressed its intention to formally consolidate these four contracts, enabling a broader range of services to be delivered consistently across all seven sites.
Approval for the merger was granted by the NHS Somerset Integrated Care Board (ICB) in late November 2025, the body responsible for allocating health funding in the county. Although initial implementation was delayed due to outstanding legal matters, Symphony Healthcare Services has now confirmed the merger has been fully implemented.
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The following surgeries are included in the merger:
- Crewkerne Health Centre, Middle Path, Crewkerne
- West One Surgery, A30 West Street, Crewkerne
- The Ilchester Surgery, B3151 Church Street, Ilchester
- Martock Surgery, Church Street, Martock
- The Buttercross Health Centre, Behind Berry, Somerton
- South Petherton Medical Centre, Bernard Way, South Petherton
- Hamdon Medical Centre, Matt’s Lane, Stoke-sub-Hamdon
Operating collectively under the name ‘Symphony South Healthcare’, each surgery will retain its individual identity while benefiting from unified management and resources.
A spokesperson from Symphony commented on the changes:
“All patients are now integrated into one single patient medical record system, with all seven sites operating under one primary care contract as Symphony South Healthcare. Patients should continue to access services as usual via our online platform, askmyGP, or by calling 01460 240707. We look forward to sharing further updates with patients in the weeks and months ahead. Should anyone have questions, we encourage them to get in touch.”
Importantly, there will be no immediate staff changes, clinical or administrative, at any of the seven surgeries. Existing patients will not need to re-register or transfer to different practices. Appointment requests will continue to be prioritised based on clinical need, ensuring those with the greatest urgency receive timely care.
“All patients are now formally part of one single patient medical record system, and all seven sites are now part of one primary care contract under the new name of Symphony South Healthcare.”
This merger represents a significant step forward in streamlining healthcare services across South Somerset, aiming to enhance patient access and service delivery without disrupting existing care arrangements.