Practice Merger Announcement

We are pleased to share some positive news about the future of your GP practice.

From 1 July 2026, the GP partners from Abbey Road Surgery and Risedale Surgery will be coming together to form one unified practice under the name Abbey Road Surgery. As partners, we have worked closely together for some time and believe this step will allow us to strengthen the care and services we provide for our patients.

The practice will continue to operate from Alfred Barrow Health Centre on Duke Street in Barrow-in-Furness, so you will still be able to access care from the same familiar location.

By bringing our teams together, we hope to build a stronger, more resilient practice that can continue to provide high-quality care for our community both now and in the future. Doctors Hameed, O’Donovan, Thimmiah and Wyatt feel very positive and excited about this next step, and we are all looking forward to continuing to care for you as part of this new, combined practice. We would also like to reassure you that new patients will continue to be very welcome to register with the practice.

Patients do not need to take any action.

There will be no reduction in services, and patients will continue to access care in the same way.

The merger will allow the practice to:

• Improve appointment availability
• Improve care coordination
• Expand specialist services

If you have questions, please speak to a member of the reception team.

Patient Engagement Survey

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I lose my regular clinician?
No. All staff are staying. You will continue to receive care from the same team.

Do I need to register again?
No. This happens automatically.

Will the surgery close?
No. The practice will continue at Alfred Barrow Health Centre.

Will appointments reduce?
No. The merger will improve clinical capacity over time.

Will my records be safe?
Yes. Your records remain securely within the NHS system.

Why is this happening?
To strengthen GP services, improve access, and ensure long-term sustainability.

Will prescriptions change?
No. Continue ordering as normal.

Is the NHS supporting this?
Yes. The merger is supported by the NHS Integrated Care Board and GP leadership.

Will services reduce?
No. Services will remain and improve over time.

Who can I speak to if I’m concerned?
Please contact reception.

Where will I check in for appointments?

We will keep both reception desks open, so checking in for appointments will not change.

Where can I get future information?

We will be keeping our website up to date with Q&A’s