INNOVATIVE plans to improve GP practices across Bolton will be laid out to members of the public this week.

The NHS Bolton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) will hold a special briefing on how it plans to spend £3.4 million improving access and treatment options at the borough’s 50 practices.

The Bolton Quality Contract has been drawn up after patients told the CCG they were having difficulty getting appointments with their GPs.

Improving access, the CCG say, will be a major part of the new standards as well as better prescribing of medicines, mental health treatment, cancer referrals and end of life care.

Su Long, chief officer of Bolton CCG, said the new contract was a local response to a national problem with a lack of investment in GP practices.

She said: “We are taking a pioneering approach to dealing with the increased demand faced by practices, while at the same time improving care for the local population, and making best use of the NHS pound.

“This event is a chance to update local people on the progression of these plans.”

The briefing will be held from 1.30pm to 4.30pm on Friday, March 6.

Bolton residents should book their place on the Eventbrite website.

The event can be found by going to www.eventbrite.co.uk and searching for Bolton Quality Contract.

Attendance at the event is by prior booking only and places must be booked by Wednesday March 4.