A FAMILY who were dropped by their GP three months ago say they have been unable to find another doctor who will put them on the patients' list.

Colin Cambray and his partner Michelle Bracegirdle were removed from the list of patients at Stonehill Medical Centre, Piggott Street, Farnworth, after 18 months.

No reason has ever been given. The couple, who have a three-year-old daughter Chelsea Lea, claim they were dropped because over the months they had needed to use the services of a doctor during the night for Michelle, who suffers from asthma.

Mr Cambray of Milton Crescent, Farnworth, stormed: "Unfortunately we can't ensure that Michelle is ill during office hours. We've had to call the doctor out several times during the night for her and I believe that is the reason we were dropped."

The couple, who have no transport, have tried other doctors in the area but say that GPs have refused to add their names to their list.

"I'm worried sick," said Colin. "Michelle could have an attack at any time and the little girl is only three."

However, help is at hand for the couple. A spokesman for Bolton and Wigan Health Authority told the BEN that if Mr Cambray registered their problems, the health authority would find the family a doctor within two days.

He said: "It is true that a doctor has got every right, if he wishes, to remove a patient from his list. And he does not have to disclose the reasons why to a patient.

"In a case like that we would ask the patient to find another doctor. If they find that in their nearby locality the doctors won't take them on, the Health Authority will find them a suitable GP in the immediate locality."

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