Somerset Patients to Benefit from Eight Million New GP Appointments

NHS patients in Somerset, particularly in Weston, are set to benefit from an additional eight million GP appointments this year, thanks to a significant government initiative to modernise local surgeries. The refurbishment plans will upgrade GP facilities in Weston, allowing practices to expand their capacity and serve more patients.

Currently, many GP surgeries face limitations due to outdated buildings, restricting their ability to accommodate more patients despite available capacity. The government’s programme, delivered through Labour’s Plan for Change, targets over 1,000 surgeries nationwide—including those in the South West—with the largest public investment in GP facilities seen in five years.

Dan Aldridge, Labour MP for Weston-super-Mare, praised the announcement, highlighting the positive impact it will have on local residents. He emphasized that the investment will help resolve the “8am scramble” for appointments, a frequent source of frustration for patients. Aldridge noted that with 1,500 new GPs already recruited, this funding represents continued progress in restoring accessible family doctor services.

Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting also underscored the government’s commitment to revitalising NHS primary care. He described the improvements as essential “simple fixes” following years of neglect, which hindered timely patient care and contributed to waiting list backlogs. Streeting highlighted that budget decisions have made this investment possible, marking a crucial step towards transforming the NHS and ensuring it meets future healthcare needs.

This sizeable injection into GP surgeries is set to improve patient experience across Somerset by increasing the availability and quality of primary care services, delivering on promises to strengthen the frontline of the NHS.