Sixteen GP surgeries across Somerset have been allocated just over £1 million from government funding to enhance and expand their facilities, aiming to provide a better experience for patients. On May 6, the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) announced a nationwide investment of more than £102 million to support over 1,000 GP practices across the UK in expanding their premises.
This capital investment in infrastructure is set to enable the NHS to deliver an additional 8.3 million appointments annually, aligning with Labour’s ten-year plan to future-proof and modernise health services. The NHS Somerset Integrated Care Board (ICB) confirmed that 16 local GP practices will share just over £1 million, with most practices currently finalising their expansion proposals for government approval.
The funding will be used to create new consultation and treatment rooms or significantly remodel existing spaces to optimise patient care. Importantly, the funding covers only capital expenses related to building improvements, not operational costs such as salaries for new medical staff, which remain the responsibility of individual practices.
READ MORE: Somerset Neighbourhoods Revealed as Hotspots for Weapons Offences Amid New Government Crackdown
READ MORE: Horse Rescued After Causing Major Motorway Chaos Finds New Home
Enhancing premises is also a strategic move to improve working conditions, making these surgeries more attractive to prospective healthcare professionals, thus supporting ongoing recruitment and retention efforts. An NHS Somerset ICB spokesperson stated: “The utilisation and modernisation fund allocated to Somerset is £1,021,000. NHS Somerset holds this funding following NHS England’s allocation and reimburses individual GP practices according to approved business plans and agreed expenditure.”
Currently, 15 practices are preparing detailed business cases and cost estimates for NHS England’s approval. Most improvement projects are internal refurbishments and typically do not require planning permission. However, Langport Surgery (also known as North Street Surgery) secured planning permission from Somerset Council for its expansion in August 2024, with NHS Somerset ICB reporting its final business case is near completion as of January 2025.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting MP described this initiative as the largest investment in GP facilities in five years, forming part of a broader £26 billion NHS investment aimed at shifting care from acute hospitals to local community settings. Speaking on May 6, he said: “This government is committed to fixing our NHS and preparing it for the future. These straightforward upgrades to GP surgeries address years of neglect that have led to longer waiting lists and constrained doctors' ability to treat patients. Thanks to prudent budget decisions, we can now invest in GP surgeries, alleviate early morning appointment pressures, and improve patient services. Our ongoing investment and reforms under the Plan for Change will transform our NHS to be there for you when needed.”