PLANS to create a super-sized GP practice in Bury could get the green light next week.

The proposal would see six practices across the borough merge in to one, Tower Family Healthcare, with 30 GPs and almost 50,000 patients.

The practices announced intentions to merge in August last year, and if approved the plan would represent one of the biggest mergers of GP surgeries in Greater Manchester.

Those intending to merge are Greenmount Medical Centre, in Brandlesholme Road; Spring Lane Surgery, in Radcliffe, Tottington Medical Practice, in Market Street; and Minden Family Practices, in Derby Way, which incorporates three surgeries — Yacht, Waves and Anchor.

A seventh site, Uplands Medical Centre, in Bury New Road, had initially been part of the proposal but has since pulled out.

All the practices will remain at their current sites, and patients will retain access to their usual doctor.

Staff at the practices have been informed of the merger, and it is not believed that any job losses will occur as a result.

Health bosses say the move will improve access and provide additional specialist health services, targeted at reducing need for hospital appointments.

They add it will provide increased flexibility for patients to access services at any of the six sites.

Speaking about the original proposals Dr Simon de Vial, from the Yacht Practice in Minden, previously said: "This is a positive move and one we feel is right to ensure future viability and to protect and enhance patient services.

"We know from experience that all the practices involved have like-minded values and share the same vision for patient services.

"In time, we hope more practices across Bury will join us as we encourage greater involvement.

"It will generate far greater training and career opportunities for all staff and will provide us with multiple opportunities to work at scale.

"Merging practices will mean that we can share expertise, reduce the number of locums, and provide extra capacity for patient appointments. It is also about supporting our staff who are increasingly under pressure."

The proposals will go before Bury CCG's Primary Care Commissioning Committee at their next meeting at Townside Primary Care Centre, in Knowsley Street, at 12pm on April 25.

Members of the public are invited to attend the meeting and ask questions, which should be submitted in advance.

Question forms are available on the CCG’s website under ‘Your local NHS’, and paper copies can be obtained by contacting 0161 762 3189 or buccg.corporateoffice@nhs.net.