HIGHBRIDGE Medical Centre has reopened its patient registration list after becoming the fourth GP surgery in Somerset to join NHS healthcare organisation, Symphony Healthcare Services Ltd (SHS).

The medical centre has been working closely with SHS, NHS England and the CQC after inspectors rated the centre as ‘inadequate’ last year.

Mandy Seymour-Hanbury, managing director of SHS, said: “We are delighted that Highbridge Medical Centre has become the latest practice to join our organisation.

“Over the last few months, we have been able to offer extra support for the team at Highbridge to help recruit additional GP’s and healthcare teams.

“Working together, we have been able to address some of the most important development areas as highlighted through the CQC and focus on improving the stability of services available at the medical centre.”

Staff at Highbridge Medical Centre have been having regular progress checks against a detailed improvement plan over the last six months.

As a result the service has improved and the patient list has been reopened as well as the minor operations and joint injections service.

James Heappey, MP for Burnham-on-Sea, said: “I am pleased that Symphony Healthcare has completed the integration of Highbridge Medical Centre into its wider operation.

“The formal completion of the integration process is very welcome and will surely lead to further improvements for patients at the surgery.”

The medical centre says it aims to keep making improvements and said it will continue to work closely with Symphony Healthcare for the next six months. 

Dr Harvey Sampson, interim associate medical director said “We are thrilled that the practice will be part of a larger, supportive NHS organisation during such challenging times. 

"We have an excellent and enthusiastic team at the practice who have already shown they are absolutely committed to improve and expand the service that we can offer our patients. 

"We have a clear plan of action and have already made some excellent progress. 

"We would like to thank our staff, patients and the local community for their support and patience as we make the necessary changes to develop a high quality and sustainable service for all.”

Linda Prosser, NHS England South West director of assurance and delivery, said: “We are reassured that the practice will have Symphony Healthcare Services coming on board to help the practice make a turnaround from a difficult period.

"SHS have a proven track record of bringing about sustainable change and this will bring high quality and reliable services to the patients of Highbridge.”

For more information about services available at the surgery call 01278 783220