A blueprint for a major re-organisation of health services in Bradford has been branded "unworkable" by doctors.

The plans for the introduction of Primary Care Groups (PCG) drafted by Bradford Health Authority will lead to sweeping changes in the organisation of health services in the area, in a Government move to bring decision-making closer to patients.

GPs and community nurses in the primary care sector will be formed into five groups, to be given their own budgets and control over where they buy treatment for patients, with similar powers to fundholding GPs.

Health bosses have tried to draw-up groups which fit with geographical boundaries so patients can travel to clinics within in the group.

But GPs forming a West and South West Bradford group are at loggerheads, claiming their PCG has been patched together, bringing 17 GP practices, from Wilsden to Wyke, together.

Dr Tim Callaghan, a GP at The Parklands Medical Practice, said geographically the group crossed too many boundaries.

"It's a health authority stitch-up, they've shoved it together," he said. "The area is too big and I don't see what Wilsden has in common with Allerton or Wyke.

"We had planned to concentrate our resources at Cooper Lane but I don't see how people in Wilsden without transport would get there."

Some GPs have argued practices in the upper half of the PCG, including Wilsden and Thornton, would be better off forming a group with Bingley.

Albert Bonham, group manager of Bradford Multiwave Fundholders, said: "There are several options and it's important we get it right. But we've got a network built up and if you split the existing practices you lose that."

Ann Wagner, director of performance management at Bradford Health Authority, said the consultative document reflected the views of most GPs, but final recommendations would not be made until a consultation had been completed.

"We've tried to bring solutions that meet everyone's needs. Patients won't see a change overnight but it's a big change for doctors ."

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