Concerns have been raised after a GP practice is set to cancel a telephone prescription line service for the over-65s and housebound patients.

Unsworth Group Practice is to merge the phone lines at its Westhoughton and Blackrod sites.

And the telephone prescription line for over-65’s and housebound patients will be cut.

The changes are being brought in to relive pressure on staff, says the surgery.

This has led to complaints that the change will impact senior citizens as not all know how to use the internet.

Sophie Louise Blundell's grandma, Susan Stone, 74, is registered with the practice.

She said: “My views are that old people don't matter anymore, my grandma has got Parkinson’s and got a text message to tell her book her next appointment online.

The Bolton News:

“She panicked and didn't know what to do, not everyone wants to use the Internet.”

The practice first posted a statement on Facebook letting people know of the changes, but this raised concerns as not all patients have Facebook or the internet and had not heard about the changes.

In the statement, Unsworth Group Practice said: “From Monday 3rd April we will be merging the phone lines at our Westhoughton and Blackrod sites.

"We will continue to have separate numbers for patients to ring however your call may be answered by a receptionist at either of our sites and patients have a choice of which site they would like to attend for their appointment.

"Our prescription line service for our over 65 and housebound patients will also be ending on Friday 31st March.

"Our housebound patients can continue requesting medication over the phone via your local chemist.

"The easiest way to order medication is via the NHS App, we also have dedicated prescription boxes at both our Blackrod and Westhoughton surgeries.

"Prescriptions will now take up to 72 hours to be processed.

"We are reopening the facility to book appointments online. From Monday 10th April you will be able to book routine appointments and from Monday 17th April you will be able to book on the day appointments via the NHS App.

"To find out how to register for the NHS App please follow the link https://www.nhs.uk/.../getting-started-with-the-nhs-app/

"We are making these changes to reduce the influx of these requests to allow our staff members to speak to patients regarding pressing problems."