Seven GP surgeries across South Somerset have officially merged in an effort to provide an improved level of NHS care to patients in the area.
Symphony Healthcare Services currently manages these seven doctors’ surgeries, which operate under four separate contracts within the South Somerset West primary care network (PCN), alongside other surgeries elsewhere in the county.
In late July 2025, Symphony Healthcare Services-a subsidiary of the Somerset NHS Foundation Trust-expressed its intention to formally combine the four existing contracts. This unification aims to expand the range of services available to patients across all seven surgery sites.
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The NHS Somerset integrated care board (ICB), responsible for the allocation of health funding countywide, approved these proposals in late November 2025. However, the merger’s implementation was delayed due to outstanding legal matters.
Symphony has now announced that the merger has been successfully completed. The organisation plans to share further updates with patients during the summer.
The seven surgeries affected by the merger are:
- 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
These practices will come together under the new name ‘Symphony South Healthcare,’ while each surgery will retain its individual name.
A spokesperson for Symphony Healthcare Services shared details on their website about what patients can expect:
“All patients are now formally part of a single patient medical record system, and all seven sites operate under one primary care contract under the new name of Symphony South Healthcare.”
“Patients should continue to access services as usual via our online service askmyGP or by calling us on 01460 240707. We are excited to share updates with you in the coming weeks and months, and if you have any questions, please get in touch.”
The merger will not result in immediate changes to clinical or administrative staffing at any of the seven locations. Existing patients will not be required to re-register or change their practice.
Appointment requests will continue to be assessed as before, with those in greatest need given priority, ensuring continuity and quality of care throughout the transition.