26/05/2026
You may remember that in 2023 we informed you of our intention to pursue a merger between the Oakwood Surgery and Bawtry and Blyth Medical. This merger is now passing through the final stages of approval by South Yorkshire Integrated Care Board and Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Integrated Care Board, and we hope will take place in early June 2026.
The benefits of the merger will include:
• Increased capacity for providing General Practice services.
• Wider range of services available in the future.
• Upgrading telephone systems to improve access.
• Offer flexibility to attend one of 3 sites, with extended opening hours on some days.
• Create more training opportunities for new doctors, nurses and other health care professionals and training and development for our existing teams.
As we move from NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire ICB (NNICB) to South Yorkshire ICB (SYICB), there will be some changes to local health policies and who provides the community and mental health services we may refer you into in the future.
For those patients that already use these other services commissioned by NNICB, you will be assessed and any change to your care or care provider will only be made if it’s in your best interests.
The Partners and practice teams are committed to making the merger work for the benefit of our patients. Not only do we want to maintain a high quality of care, but we also want to build on this to strengthen our ability to meet the challenges that General Practice is currently facing.
**Which practices are involved?
The Oakwood Surgery, Cantley, and Bawtry and Blyth Medical.
**Will the Practice name change?
Yes. The new name will be The Oakwood Surgery.
**When is the ‘merger’ likely to happen?
Early June 2026
**Will I still be able to see my own doctor?
Yes. There will be no change.
**Will the telephone number change?
We will be merging our telephone systems, though patients should be able to continue to use the geographic numbers they have used previously. If this changes, we will let you know.
**What difference will it make to me as a patient?
You should see very little change in the current GP services that you receive as a patient. We hope, in time there will be a wider range of services for you to access.
**Will it mean I have to travel to another Practice to see my GP?
No. But you may choose to do so.
Will I still see the same staff?
Yes. All staff will be working at their current practice. You will see the same familiar receptionists and the same doctors and nurses.
**Will it be harder to get an appointment?
No. There will still be the same number of doctor and nurse appointments available to patients and there may be the option of an appointment at our other practice. We are not reducing the number of any appointments.
**Can I move to a different GP Practice?
Yes. Anyone can register with a GP surgery or change their GP surgery for free. You can do this using the NHS app or online at www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/gps/how-to-register-with-a-gp-surgery/
Most GP surgeries will only allow patients in their catchment area, near to where they live, to register but some surgeries accept patients from further away.
