A TOWN centre GP practice has hit out at plans for a super health centre on its doorstep.

Partners at the Whalebridge practice, in Carfax Street, have expressed their reservations about a 'polyclinic' style surgery in Swindon, and said they are working to make sure their patients are not adversely affected by the plans.

They are also encouraging others to become involved in the debate and to make sure their voices are heard.

The plans for a new surgery in the town centre were outlined by Swindon's PCT last month.

The GP-led health centre, which will replace the existing Carfax Street health centre, will open from 8am to 8pm every day.

People living within the SN1 and SN2 area will be able to permanently register at the surgery, and it will also act as a walk-in clinic for the whole town and beyond.

The PCT has said the plans will increase the availability of primary care services in Swindon.

But critics have claimed the centre would be a polyclinic in all but name and would result in neighbouring doctors' surgeries losing patients.

In a letter to the Adver, doctors Alison MacIntyre, Fintan Lonergan, Richard Carter and Gavin Jamie aimed to reassure patients that standards would remain the same.

The letter read: "The Whalebridge Practice would like to reassure its patients that it intends to remain in the centre of Swindon and provide a personalised, holistic, list-based service that ensures continuity, high quality and cost-effective care.

"We have reservations about the planned introduction of so-called polyclinics and private providers and question if such ventures are wanted, needed or provide an effective use of valuable resources.

"The partners are currently working with Swindon Primary Care Trust and local Members of Parliament to ensure that patients are not adversely affected.

"We are thankful for the continued support of those patients that have already become involved and welcome new patients to register at the practice."