Bradford's health watchdog fears that plans to close a doctors' surgery in Undercliffe could mean elderly patients are left without a GP.

Bradford Community Health Council is seeking a formal consultation with Bradford North Primary Care Trust over its decision to close Ashcroft Surgery in Sherwood Place and relocate the practice within a new community hospital in Eccleshill one mile away.

Elderly patients of the practice are worried they will be left isolated by the increased travelling the move will force on them.

Lesley Sterling-Baxter, chief officer of Bradford Commun-ity Health Council, said health chiefs must come up with a proposal, together with details of what they intend to do over difficulties the move would cause elderly and disabled patients.

"It shouldn't just be the primary care trust and the doctors who make these decisions," she said.

"It should be discussed with outside agencies and the public must have a chance to put their point of view forward."

Letters have gone to all Ashcroft's patients informing them of the move to the former Eccleshill Upper School site.

Planning permission has been granted for an 18-bed hospital and Bradford North Primary Care Trust is in the process of choosing a contractor. Building is expected to begin in September, with a completion date of June 2003.

Bradford Primary Care Trust has agreed to include a GP practice at the site, along with a pharmacy and outpatient facilities. Out-of-hours GP services could also be located at the hospital.

The plan is part of a city- wide project to build three new community hospitals - at Manningham, Westwood Park in Clayton Heights and Eccleshill.

Ian Rutter, chief executive of Bradford North Primary Care Trust, said patient fears are groundless.

"We are not talking about taking services away," he said. "This will be a superior service for patients."

Jane Robinson, practice manager at Ashcroft, said: "We did think carefully about the impact the move would have on patients.

"We do want to open debate with our patients. I think we can make this a win-win situation for everyone."

Options being considered by the practice include setting up a door-to-door bus service.

Patient involvement groups will also be set up to discuss how to make the move of benefit to everyone.