SUPER surgeries could be created across Bolton under new Government plans which have angered doctors.

New moves have been unveiled to set up a number of large medical centres which would house at least 10 GPs, as well as dentists, physiotherapists and pharmacists.

But Dr Ian James, of the Springhouse Surgery, in Chorley Old Road, Bolton, has warned the move could spell the end for smaller surgeries based on patients doorsteps.

It is thought around five super surgeries could be set up across the borough in centres such as the new sport facilities being created in Leverhulme Park.

Under the model, recently unveiled by the Government, smaller practices would have to form federations and walk-in centres responsible for dealing with minor complaints, or close.

Dr James, who has been based at the surgery for 25 years, said: "My patients are extremely concerned at the prospect of practices disappearing in favour of these larger centres.

"Many are elderly and really value having a surgery on their doorstep and being treated by people they have got to know over a number of years. A lot of the doctors I have spoken to are angry about these plans."

The Department of Health has outlined a three-tier model of Primary Care, which was presented to a conference of GPs in London last month.

Head of Primary Care Development Jo Whitehead explained the first tier would be for non-registered access, such as NHS walk-in centres.

The second would be large GP premises offering registered access for serious episodes of care.

A third tier would offer access to specialist treatments.

Dr Michael Taylor, the Bury-based chairman of the Small Practices Association, expects the Government to introduce a scale of financial rewards to encourage practices to become larger.

But he predicts this will lead to disaster.

"It shouldn't be about making practices managerially comfortable. It should be about the doctor-patient relationship," he said.