AN internationally acclaimed doctor and his team are urging people to back the Royal Bolton in radical hospital proposals.

Gastroenterologist Dr Kieran Moriarty says patients should look no further than the already excellent alcohol services as a reason why the Royal Bolton should become a “super hospital”.

Healthier Together’s plans could see the Bolton NHS Foundation Trust become one five specialist centres in Greater Manchester.

Dr Moriarty has joined colleagues in backing the Royal Bolton’s bid to win the status.

Dr Moriarty, who specialises in alcohol-related illnesses, said: “Our alcohol and gastroenterology team are one of the few acknowledged nationally and internationally in the UK.

“Not many hospitals can boast an internationally acclaimed team, especially at a district hospital like Bolton.

“And since alcohol plays a role in 20 per cent of admissions to hospital in all specialties, having an alcohol care team of doctors and nurses is vitally important to the quality of patient care.

“This in turn reduces admissions and length of stay.” The proposals, which will see either four or five super hospitals created, could save up to 1,500 lives across Greater Manchester a year, according to health bosses.

Healthier Together plans to combine medical teams at all of Greater Manchester’s hospitals.

By pooling consultants across the region, Healthier Together says specialist hospitals will be able to carry out emergency and high-risk surgery for patients seven days a week.

Oldham, Salford or Manchester Royal Infirmary have already been earmarked to be “super hospitals”.

The consultation will decide whether one or two more super hospitals are created, and where they will be.

The options are Bolton, Wythenshawe, the Royal Albert Edward Infirmary in Wigan and Stepping Hill in Stockport.

Dr Moriarty added: “We already have strong parnership working between the Bolton Clinical Commissioning Group, the local authority, the council and social services.

“Once again this is at the very heart of the proposals in the Healthier Together Consultation.

“Bolton is therefore in an excellent position to disseminate this model of care throughout the whole of the Bolton community.

“This will have a major impact on public health, quality of care and health expenditure. ”

To complete the consultation questionnaire, visit healthier togethergm.nhs.uk or call 0800 8886789.