Rescue plan for East Lancashire surgeries (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Rescue plan for East Lancashire surgeries

4:17pm Friday 12th October 2012 in News By Lisa Woodhouse, Assistant picture editor

FOUR under-threat GP surgeries across East Lancashire may be saved – if a deal with a new provider goes ahead.

Following invitations from providers to run all four of the GP surgeries, a preferred bidder has now been identified by the PCT for the Horsfield Centre in Colne, Eagle Medical Practice at the Acorn Centre in Accrington, Pendle Valley Mills in Nelson, and Brierfield Practice.

Staff jobs were at risk as the future of the practices hung in the balance.

Earlier this year, tenders from private firms were invited to run those facilities.

But the initial procurement process failed to identify a solution for all four individual practices.

The PCT cluster then determined that all four practices should be retendered in June as a single entity. A significant number of bids were received and an evaluation process has identified a recommended bidder.

A PCT spokeswoman said: “The PCT will look to work with the recommended bidder towards contract award, including the transfer of staff and mobilise the service by January 2013.

Due process will now follow and it is hoped to be able to share the identity of the new provider with you following formal contract award.”