SPECIALIST GPs could soon be setting up clinics across the town to ease the pressure on staff at the Royal Bolton Hospital.

The new doctors would be able to see people who suffer from complaints like asthma or diabetes, keeping them off waiting lists and away from the accident and emergency department.

It is hoped minor surgery could also be carried out at the clinics, which would each specialise in one particular field of health.

The proposals are at an early stage and no date has been given on when the first clinics could be established.

Latest figures show that Bolton's A&E department is the busiest in the region. Over the winter period ambulances were turned away from the hospital.

A leading GP in the town has given the plans a cautious welcome.

Dr Stephen Liversedge, head of the Bolton North-east primary care group, said many GPs were keen on the changes.

But he added: "Who will replace GPs if they become specialists? Who will look after their practices?"

Bolton's newly-formed Primary Care Trust (PCT), which now makes the major health decisions, has been asked to draw up strategies to bring in the changes.

Dr Kevin Snee, chief executive of the new trust, agreed there needed to be a "significant expansion" in recruitment of GPs to deliver Government targets as there was a shortage in the area. Other sweeping plans include reforms of emergency care.