Beckington Family Practice, which operates surgeries in Beckington and Frome, is set to benefit from a government-funded programme aimed at expanding GP services across Somerset.

The Department for Health and Social Care announced this week that more than £102 million will be allocated to over 1,000 GP practices across the UK. Sixteen of these are in Somerset, including Beckington Family Practice .

The funding, secured by NHS Somerset Integrated Care Board, will be used for capital improvements such as building new consultation and treatment rooms or remodelling existing spaces to better meet patient demand. It does not cover day-to-day operational costs or staff wages.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting MP described the announcement as the biggest investment in GP buildings in five years, stating: "It is only because of the necessary decisions we took in the budget that we are able to invest in GP surgeries, start tackling the 8am scramble and deliver better services for patients."

Dr Amanda Doyle, national director for primary care and community services, said the upgrades will help surgeries "bring care closer to the communities where people live".

Beckington Family Practice serves a wide area including the rural region north of Frome and the town itself, extending into BANES and Wiltshire. The practice operates from two sites: St. Luke's Surgery in Beckington and Fromefield Surgery in Frome .

The improvements are expected to significantly boost capacity and patient experience across the county. Work on the successful Somerset practices is anticipated to begin during the current financial year, with some projects starting this summer.