HEALTH bosses have moved to reassure patients at west Dorset doctor surgeries that GP practices cannot be foreced to merge.

As reported in this week's Bridport News, Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) has published a proposal in its draft plan to cut the current eight GP surgeries west of Dorchester to between three and five facilities.

Last night, officials from the CCG discussed the proposals at a packed meeting in Beaminster after being invited to speak by the Tollerford Practice patient participation group.

Speaking at last night's meeting, head of primary care Sue Sutton, said that there were no proposals in place and it would be up to GPs to determine whether any practices would merge in the future.

She added: "What we are saying to our GP leaders is we want to work with you to work out what it is that would improve services in your area.

"We are not forcing anything - it is about local determination."

CCG leaders heard from patient Eileen Laidler, who spoke passionately about the importance of the Tollerford Practice to the local community in Maiden Newton.

She said: "There is very little public transport available for us.

"I do believe there will be closures. With a merger from eight down to five or three, there has to be a closure. I will absolutely fight for it, tooth and nail. I hope we never lose it. It is run professionally, safely and they are not sitting back on their laurels."

Ms Sutton responded to concerns from members of the public that surgeries could close, stating that the West Dorset Primary Care Blueprint in the CCG's primary care commissioning strategy and plan is not a proposal.

She added: "Nothing has been proposed.

"We are not saying one of these Tollerford practices has to close. General practitioners are independent contractors. We cannot force any change. We cannot make any practices merge.

"We do ask the question, is it affordable for the public purse? We know at the moment that much of the estate is not fit for purpose and that would require addressing. We need to make sure our buildings are fit for purpose. There is nothing the CCG can say that will happen. This has to come from the GP practices."

Dr Blair Millar, the CCG's GP chairman for west Dorset, said there is are problem with recruiting enough GPs in Dorset.

He said: "One of the reasons we are developing this strategy is that practices around the country are closing.

"If they are going to survive the next 25 years, there needs to be a business model. General practice is not viewed as a popular career for doctors coming out of medical school. The flow of new doctors into the profession is not guaranteed."