THE final decision on radical proposals to transform NHS services may not be made until after Christmas, The Bolton News can reveal.

Healthier Together bosses say it could take “several months” to look at responses from the public and hospitals before a decision is made.

A source close to the consultation said a decision may be put back until after the general election next May.

Under the proposals, the Royal Bolton could become one of four or five specialist centres in Greater Manchester.

The consultation ended on September 30, but the deadline for responses has been extended until October 24 to give people a final chance to have their say.

So far, a modest 12,750 responses have been received by Healthier Together.

Commisioners are now handing out 150,000 leaflets to households in Bolton to ensure as many people take part as possible.

Dr Wirin Bhatiani, chairman of the Bolton Clinical Commissioning Group, (CCG), said: “NHS Bolton Clinical Commissioning Group is one of the statutory organisations consulting on Healthier Together, so it has been our aim from the very beginning to increase awareness and understanding of these proposed changes.

“We have had excellent support from local organisations and I have been impressed by how many people in our borough have really engaged with this process.

“These proposals represent a significant transformation in healthcare so it is vitally important that we hear from as many people as possible before a final decision is made. There is still time to share your views.”

The responses will be analysed and evaluated by an independent body, according to a Healthier Together spokesman.

A report will then be produced for Healthier Together’s decision-making body — the committees in common — which is made up of 12 GPs representing doctors who commission health services across the region.

Health chiefs have held Question Time-style debates, handed out leaflets at public events, such as Bolton Food and Drink Festival, and visited community groups to talk about the consultation.

People have until October 24 to fill out a questionnaire at healthiertogethergm.nhs.uk.