Consultation over super surgery

The super surgery would be run by several GPs

Health chiefs are to hold a public consultation over plans to build a super surgery in North Yorkshire.

The new centre, earmarked for Scarborough, would be run by several doctors and offer specialist services.

Some GPs and community members say the plans would threaten existing GP practices and the doctor-patient relationship would suffer.

North Yorkshire and York Primary Care Trust said there would be an "intense" period of public consultation.

Health minister Lord Darzi wants to replace surgeries manned by a single GP with larger 'polyclinics' as part of a reorganisation of the GP system in England.

The government has suggested the policy would only apply to bigger GP clinics.

'Improve patient access'

Sylvia Roache, practice manager of Danes Dyke surgery in Scarborough, said there was a pressing need for a public consultation.

She said: "I think that they do need to make sure they carry out this consultation period and that we do have the views of the Scarborough people and the GPs and the frontline staff.

"This is key and they need to know what we are thinking and what we want to do because we can help them to shape what additional services are needed and where more money is needed in Scarborough."

A statement from North Yorkshire and York PCT said: "North Yorkshire and York Primary Care Trust has agreed to progress with an intense period of engagement with local people, GPs, stakeholders and specific interest groups with regard to proposals to extended access to primary and community services in the Scarborough area.

"Through this continued public engagement the PCT will be able to ensure that any proposals for extended services improve patient access and primary and community services, and meet the specific health needs of the local population."