Practice Mergers

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Affinity Care Practice Mergers in 2026

Following approval from the Bradford, Craven and District NHS Integrated Care Board, Affinity Care is continuing the planned programme of merging our GP contracts to reflect the way our practices already work together as a single organisation.

The first merger of Haigh Hall Medical Centre and Shipley Medical Practice took place on 11th March 2026.

We are now preparing for the next stage.

Upcoming Mergers

The Willows, Thornton & Denholme

On 12th May 2026, The Willows Medical Practice, Thornton & Denholme Medical Practice will merge with the already‑merged Haigh Hall and Shipley Medical Practice.

All five practices will close at 3pm on the day of the merger. We will open as usual the following morning.

Sunnybank & Cowgill

On 9th June 2026, Sunnybank Medical Centre and Cowgill Surgery will merge with the wider Affinity Care group. These practices will also close at 3pm on the day of the merger. We will open as usual the following morning.

What will this change mean for patients?

Patients will continue to access care exactly as they do now. All practices involved have been part of Affinity Care since 2019, operating as a single partnership across multiple sites. This way of working has already enabled us to:

  • Provide enhanced care for different patient groups
  • Use dedicated clinical and administrative teams across sites
  • Free up resources to maximise appointments at the “front door” of general practice

Merging the contracts simply brings the formal structure in line with how we already operate. It reduces administrative workload and allows us to focus more time and resources on patient care.

We expect this to further strengthen the services we provide across all sites involved.

Patient Meetings

We are holding patient meetings so you can speak directly with our managers and GP Partners about the upcoming changes.

For patients of Sunnybank & Cowgill Medical Practice

  • Monday 18th May at 6.30pm – Sunnybank Medical Practice
  • Wednesday 20th May at 6.30pm – Clayton Community Centre
If you have any questions, please speak to a member of the practice team or attend one of the patient meetings. We will continue to update this page as the merger programme progresses.