Sixteen doctors' surgeries across Somerset are set for expansion and improvement thanks to a £102 million funding boost from the UK Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC). Announced on May 6, this investment will be distributed among over 1,000 GP practices nationwide to increase capacity and modernize facilities.
This capital injection aims to enable the NHS to deliver an additional 8.3 million appointments annually, aligning with Labour’s ten-year health plan to modernize and future-proof services. The NHS Somerset Integrated Care Board (ICB) has secured funding specifically for expanding 16 surgeries within its area, with detailed timelines for each project expected to be released soon.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting MP highlighted this as the largest investment in GP infrastructure in five years, part of a broader £26 billion commitment to shift care from hospitals to community settings. “It will be a long road, but this government is putting in the work to fix our NHS and make it fit for the future,” he said, emphasizing the importance of improving GP surgeries to reduce waiting lists and enhance patient care.
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The funded projects focus on expanding or refurbishing physical premises—such as adding new consultation and treatment rooms and redesigning existing spaces—rather than covering salaries or operational costs. This investment not only aims to improve patient experiences but also to create more attractive working environments to aid recruitment and retention of medical staff.
Dr. Amanda Doyle, national director for primary care and community services, explained, “Improving GP premises is critical to enhancing access and delivering care closer to where people live. This investment will help standardize the quality of primary care facilities across England, ultimately benefiting both patients and healthcare staff.”
The funding follows recommendations from Lord Ara Darzi’s independent 2024 report, which criticized the outdated and inflexible nature of many GP buildings. Lord Darzi stated, “Primary care estates are simply not fit for purpose, and today’s investment is a crucial turning point towards creating modern, purpose-built facilities.”
Upgrades across the 16 Somerset surgeries are expected to commence during this financial year, with initial work beginning in summer 2025. For instance, Langport Surgery has already received planning permission for expansion, and its final business case is nearing completion.
Rachel Power, chief executive of the Patients’ Association, welcomed the news, noting that nearly one-third of patients struggle to book GP appointments. She emphasized that modern, accessible, and dignified healthcare spaces are essential for high-quality care and that this funding will make a significant difference to local communities.
The expansion projects also address capacity issues in rapidly growing Somerset towns and villages where new housing developments have increased demand for healthcare services. Some surgeries, like East Quay Medical Centre in Bridgwater, had previously raised concerns about their ability to safely accommodate more patients due to limited facilities.
Ruth Rankine, primary care director at the NHS Confederation, described the funding as vital for enabling primary care to keep pace with rising demands and technological advances. She highlighted that many GP buildings are decades old and in need of modernization to support a shift towards community-focused, preventive care.
Royal College of GPs Chair Professor Kamila Hawthorne added that many GPs consider their current premises unfit for purpose, noting a shortage of consulting rooms and space for trainees. She called the government’s announcement an important interim step but emphasized the need for sustained, long-term investment alongside healthcare reforms.
This government funding commitment represents a major step forward in upgrading the infrastructure of Somerset’s GP surgeries, promising better access, improved patient experiences, and stronger support for healthcare professionals.