There are various reasons which prompt GP practices to think about merging but the number of mergers is increasing. With the move towards delivering primary care at scale and increasing pressures on GPs, working collaboratively is certainly something for practices to consider.

Whatever the motivation, merging GP practices is a complex process. A solution is needed for a range of issues including premises, the NHS contracts, CQC registration, staff and the legal structure of the proposed collaboration or formal merger between practices.

In our experience, key things to bear in mind include: work out first what you are trying to achieve and then identify the model which works best. This can require input from various professional advisers to cover the legal position and also the accounting aspects. Sometimes the best solution is not the model that the practices initially thought it might be. For example, a joint venture company or full merger might be proposed but not actually be the right option for the situation in question.

If you are considering a merger, getting advice early and being clear about your goals and priorities will save time and cost later on. To help simplify the process, we’ve identified ten golden rules for a happy merger:

If you would like to know more about GP practice mergers and collaboration, Capsticks is running a series of free masterclasses (please click the link for more information or to register) in: Birmingham on 20 November, London on 28 November and Leeds on 5 December.  

Capsticks is a leading healthcare law firm and has specialised in the healthcare sector for more than 30 years. We have a specialist and award winning GP team dealing with all areas of legal advice: https://www.capsticks.com/our-expertise/gps. Daniel Kirk leads Capsticks’ dispute resolution services for GPs and Practice Managers.

Daniel Kirk is an Associate at Capsticks Solicitors LLP

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