Local GP practices propose merger The national direction of primary care is changing. There are ambitious plans in the NHS to have a wider range of services than is currently the case, delivered at scale in primary care settings. This will enable practices to develop a more sustainable future both clinically and financially. Following initial discussions, The Blackmore Vale Partnership (Shaftesbury and Sturminster Newton) and Stalbridge Surgery are formally proposing a merger in order to ensure patients can continue to receive high standards of care in the future. Dr Simon Horner, The Blackmore Vale Partnership said “With the NHS nationally facing increased pressure, a crisis in GP recruitment and budget constraints it makes sense for both practices to consider working more closely together and enjoying the benefits this will bring including – more choice and flexibility for patients, more effective use of GP time and greater negotiating power with the NHS to ensure the best possible services for our patients. We would like to ask patients registered at both practices to support this merger as we believe it will have great benefits for the communities in North Dorset”. Dr Steve Clayton, Stalbridge Surgery said “We understand that patients and staff may be anxious about the proposed merger, however we see this as a really positive move for both practices. This will help us to ensure sustainability of primary care services for the future for both populations as well as looking at new and improved ways of delivering healthcare more locally. I am pleased that succession of primary health care services will be secured for the 4400 patients of Stalbridge Surgery. This proposed merger is a result of twelve months of negotiations to ensure this continuation. At the time of the merger I will be leaving Stalbridge after over 24 years to pursue a more relaxed future within general practice”. The next stage of the process will involve teams from The Blackmore Vale Partnership and Stalbridge Surgery working closely with Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group, NHS England, patient groups and other partners to ensure the merger is in the best interests of local patients and those working within the healthcare community. Regular updates will be made available through a number of channels including the practices themselves, online and the local media. Anyone who has any questions should speak with Jane Dawes, Managing Partner, Sturminster Newton Medical Centre on 01258 474500 or via email on [email protected] .