Two GP practices which together care for 16,000 patients in west Kent are set to join forces.

St James and Grosvenor medical centres in Tunbridge Wells will be merging on August 1, although patients are unlikely to see any changes until late September.

The arrangement will mean patients will be able to make appointments with GPs, nurses and other healthcare professionals at either surgery.

In the next 12 months a single telephone number will be introduced for both practices.

Barbara Martin, practice manager at St James’ in Carlton Road, said: “This is a really exciting time for both practices. We will be in a position to not only be able to offer the high levels of care that patients have come to expect but to introduce new services such as minor surgery, men’s health, contraceptive services and a musculo-skeletal specialist.

"We will also offer our patients the flexibility of appointments at either surgery. The merger also means that we will retain and attract skilled staff rather than lose them to other practices."

Dr Julian Barnaby, a partner at Grosvenor Medical Centre in Upper Grosvenor Road, added: “The merger will provide stability to existing GP services in Tunbridge Wells and allow us to expand services available to patients of both practices."

The partners and managers will work with the Patient Participation Group (PPG) and seek their input to the future plans.

Further information is available from either practice website: www.stjamesmc.co.uk or www.grosvenormedicalcentre.co.uk