PATIENTS concerned about the lack of doctors in two areas of Bury have been told there will soon be new GPs to treat them.

Mile Lane Health Centre and Woodbank Surgery have both lost GPs this year due to retirements and resignations, and patients were worried about seeing a doctor.

But at a meeting of the Bury West Area Board, held at Woodbank Primary School, residents were told by Bury Primary Care Trust (PCT) that they did not have to worry.

Mile Lane has been managed by the PCT since January, and two GPs have been appointed to start work at the practice later in the year.

Mrs Sharon Martin, Associate Director for Primary Care Services for Bury Primary Care Trust (PCT) said: "The PCT has plans to develop the surgery over the coming months, both in terms of premises expansion and enhanced service provision.

"Two part-time GPs have been appointed to work at the practice, and the rota for these GPs will overlap to ensure continuity of care for patients.

"Until this time, a locum GP employed by the PCT will continue to provide services for patients at the surgery to ensure that continuity of care is not compromised."

The PCT has been managing Woodbank Surgery since July, but a partnership of GPs will take over the surgery in November.

The current GPs and locum GPs will continue to treat patients until then.

Mrs Martin said: "Continuity of care is the PCTs top priority for patients. Patients should continue to contact their surgery and attend appointments in the usual way. Patients will be kept informed of important relevant information on an on-going basis."

Both surgeries are registering new patients, and planning to improve the services offered to patients in coming months.