HEALTH chiefs in Bolton have said closure is not an option for a doctors' service .

Proposals are currently being considered to move the borough’s GP out of hours (GPOOH) service.

News of the plans has raised fears that the service will closed.

But Dr Wirin Bhatiani, chairman of NHS Bolton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) has spoken out to provide clarification and ‘bust’ the myths.

He said: “I know some people have concerns that the service may close.

“I want to provide some clarification that closure is not, and will not, be considered as part of this process. The CCG’s review of GP out of hours is looking solely at where the service should be based in order to provide the best care and experience for patients. Thank you to all those who have already shared their views on the possible relocation of GP out of hours. We have had a really encouraging response so far and I encourage everyone to have their say.”

The change proposed by the CCG would see the GPOOH service moved from Waters Meeting Health Centre to a new location on the Royal Bolton Hospital site.

It would continue to operate independently from A&E and patients would still be seen on an appointment only basis, and would need to call the GP out of hours service for an initial assessment.

The other services based at Waters Meeting Health Centre, including GP practices, would not be affected. The CCG believes that a relocation of the service will improve patient care by improving links between GPOOH and A&E, allowing for more streamlined transfers for patients who need them.

At busy times, there is limited space at Waters Meeting Health Centre in terms of both the consulting rooms and the patients’ waiting area. Bosses believe relocation would allow the CCG to identify more suitable premises and potentially improve patient experience.

Following the public engagement period, a decision on the relocation of the service will be made by the CCG governing board. No timetable has been set for the decision yet or for the completion of the engagement process. NHS England has recently issued national guidance suggesting that GPOOH services should be based on the same site as A&E departments.

The CCG has attended GPOOH and A&E to talk face to face to patients using these services and hopes to hear from people via an online survey at www.letsmakeitbolton.co.uk.