Nestled in the heart of Somerset, Wells City Practice serves a community of around 8,500 patients. The team here paints a picture of a place grounded in compassion, connection, and genuine care; both for patients and for one another.
A practice rooted in community
“Our patients are lovely, ” says Practice Manager Nicky Billington with a smile. “There’s something about Wells that brings a sense of calm and community. ” Though many of their patients are older and from relatively privileged backgrounds, the practice’s reach extends to everyone. There’s a small homeless population supported by a local outreach team, and dedicated professionals work with those experiencing drug or alcohol issues. Health connectors regularly visit people who are isolated or lonely; a lifeline for many who might otherwise struggle unseen. “Our community team is really good, ” Nicky adds “We’re well-supported by our Primary Care Network too. We have cancer care coordinators who reach out as soon as someone receives a diagnosis not to talk about the medical side, but to offer practical help and reassurance. Patients really value that, and we’ve had so many lovely comments about it. ”
Listening to your patients is powerful
For Dr. Mike Pearce, a GP at Wells City Practice, the essence of general practice lies in connection and trust.
“It might sound cliché, but it’s a privilege to be a GP. People let you into their lives, their secrets, their deepest feelings, their darkest thoughts. Holding that information and trying to help is an honour. ” He admits it’s taken time to learn how best to do that. “As a young GP, I’d struggle with what to do with what patients told me. Now, I know that sometimes the most valuable thing is simply to listen. Give patients that first five minutes to talk without interruption, and the whole consultation changes. Sometimes you don’t need to fix, you just need to hear.”
Dr. Pearce also talks about the importance of professional boundaries and self-care. “It’s an open-door job, and that can be draining. Learning where those lines are is crucial for your own wellbeing and for your family. I wish I’d spent more time with mine when my kids were younger. Things like paternity leave didn’t exist then, but I’m glad to see that’s changing. ”
Life in Somerset
For Dr. Tom Morgan, the appeal of working in Wells goes far beyond the surgery walls. “If you like the outdoors, you’ll love it here, ” he says. “I grow my own veg, my commute takes me through the countryside, and our patients are genuinely pleasant. Life outside work is really lovely. ” He’s quick to point out that Somerset offers the best of both worlds. “It’s not all rural, we pop into Bristol all the time. If you live a bit further south, it’s the same with Taunton. It’s a great balance. ” When asked about the challenges of general practice, he’s realistic but hopeful. “There are frustrations, of course. The NHS isn’t perfect. But if you’re someone who believes in standing up for your patients and working with what’s possible, it’s still a deeply rewarding career. I’m not disillusioned, it’s hard, but it’s worth it.”
The next generation of care
Ellie, an apprentice healthcare assistant, brings infectious enthusiasm to the team. “Do it 100%!” she laughs when asked if she’d recommend the role. “It’s quiet sometimes, but you find your own rhythm. There’s so much to do and see in Somerset and everyone’s so friendly. ” She mainly works with older patients but says every day brings something different. “The people I see are lovely and really grateful for the service. I had one patient who was worried about taking up my time. I told him, ‘Relax, I’ve got ten minutes, just talk to me. ’ He ended up sharing something really important for his care notes. That’s the thing; when people feel heard, it helps their health too. ” Outside of work, Ellie is proud of her Somerset roots. “I’ve always lived here I’m about 30 minutes from Wells. I love being close to family. I’ve played cricket and hockey for the county, and I love that you can have both the greenery and the buzz of nearby cities. It’s a really lovely place to live.”
Wells City Practice stands as a testament to what makes primary care special and vital to supporting patients in Somerset. From experienced GPs to apprentices just starting out, the team is united by one thing: a deep love for their community and a belief in the power of connection.
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