A BOLTON doctor is pursuing plans to open a one stop health shop in the heart of the borough.

Dr Krishna Korlipara, chairman of Bolton District Medical Services and a GP at Pike View Medical Centre, Horwich, is hoping to convince his colleagues about the merits of the scheme.

As already reported, several doctors have expressed reservations about the development of such a centre.

Fear

They fear it might undermine the doctor-patient relationship and cause financial repercussions.

Over the next few weeks, however, Dr Korlipara will be speaking to his colleagues in a bid to allay their fears.

"One stop health shops such as the ones recently announced by the Government will eventually be sited in every town and city across the country," he said.

"We were the first GP co-operative in the country and we have a fully operational NHS Direct site serving the whole of Greater Manchester based in Bolton.

"Walk-in health centres, which will be nurse-led, are the next step in the Government's plans to provide additional primary care services.

"I am very anxious that the people of Bolton should not miss out on the opportunity to have such a centre and I sincerely hope I can allay any fears my colleagues may have about them."

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