PEOPLE in Bolton are being encouraged to make their opinions heard on proposed changes to one of the town's biggest GP services.

NHS Bolton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is calling on local people to share their views on the plans to relocate of the borough’s GP out of hours (GPOOH) service.

On average, around 4,300 people call on the help of service, located in Waters Meeting Health Centre, every month.

Changes would see the GPOOH moved from the centre in Waters Meeting Road to a location in the grounds of the Royal Bolton Hospital.

Chief Officer at the CCG, Su Long, said they were committed to making sure patients were seen by the right people at the right place and time.

She added: "We believe that relocating the GP out of hours service could have real benefits but we are keen to hear the views of local people before any decision is made.

"A more centrally located GP out of hours service may help to ease pressure at our busy A&E department.

"I encourage everyone to complete our survey. We want to hear what you think and how this change could affect you."

The potential move would see the GPOOH service set up at the hospital site in Farnworth but operate independently from the A&E department.

Patients would still be seen on an appointment only basis and would need to call the service for an initial assessment.

The other services based at Waters Meeting Health Centre, including GP practices, will not be affected.

The CCG believes that a relocation of this service will improve patient care by improving links between GPOOH and A&E, allowing for more streamlined transfers for patients who need them.

A spokesman for the CCG added: "At busy times, there is limited space at Waters Meeting Health Centre in terms of both the consulting rooms and the patients' waiting area.

"Relocation would allow the CCG to identify more suitable premises and potentially improve patient experience. The Royal Bolton Hospital is in a central location, with good public transport links and car parking facilities."

NHS England has recently issued national guidance suggesting that GPOOH services should be based on the same site as A&E departments.

The service works by assessing callers over the phone and providing advice when patients GP practices are closed.

Those who need to be seen by a GP will be asked to attend an appointment at the treatment centre or will be visited at home.

Of the estimated 4,300 people who call each month, around 41.2 per cent receive telephone assessment and advice only, 48.5 per cent attend an appointment at the treatment centre and10.3 per cent are visited by a GP at home.

To share your views, visit the online survey at www.boltonccg.nhs.uk/patient-zone/public-engagement/current-engagements-and-consultations.