A MAJOR investigation has been launched into claims that an unqualified member of staff provided medical advice at a Prestwich surgery.

Police have confirmed that inquiries were continuing into allegations concerning a man who worked in a managerial role at Dr Colin Ogdon's surgery at Prestwich Health Centre.

Bury and Rochdale Health Authority are working with police in their investigation.

The central allegation involves a claim that the man may have been providing medical advice to patients while he was working at the centre between November last year and Tuesday of last week. It is believed that suspicions were raised by medical staff at the Fairfax Road health centre, next to the Longfield precinct, last week.

The health authority said it took immediate action to protect patients and to provide support to practice staff. An information line has now been set up for worried patients.

Security measures, including a guard, have also been installed to ensure no unauthorised persons enter the health centre.

Dr Ogdon (50) has been on sick leave. Health bosses say that a locum GP will work in the surgery to maintain patient services.

Mr Joe Leigh, acting health authority chief executive, said: "We would advise patients of Dr Ogdon to ring the information line and not the surgery if they have any concerns."

He stressed that the investigations did not relate to any other doctors at the health centre.

Patients can ring the helpline on 293 5500 between 8am and 10pm.