DOCTORS surgeries could close to make way for one "super clinic" in Billericay.

MP John Baron says health chiefs are considering centralising GPs in the town in one hi-tech medical centre.

However, the move has raised fears that closing smaller surgeries will mean many patients have to travel further and will never see the same doctor twice.

Mr Baron met privately with GPs and councillors to discuss concerns.

He said: "The best way for the NHS to serve local patients is for services to remain local.

"GP surgeries must therefore not be centralised, as this would cause great inconvenience to people, particularly to senior citizens, young mothers and the disabled."

Mr Baron said he and GPs had since tried to raise the issue with the PCT, but met a "wall of silence".

He added: "Having discussed the matter with local GPs and councillors, we are calling on the PCT to listen to what residents are telling us.

"We have tried to raise this matter with the PCT to ensure our concerns are taken on board while the review is in progress, but have met a wall of silence. This is wrong. We now hope the PCT responds.

"Part of the problem is there are Government plans to replace the family doctor service with impersonal super-surgeries known as poly-clinics. This would mean patients would have to travel further and would be lucky to see the same GP twice."

Dr John Cockcroft, of Billericay Health Centre, said they had plans to expand the centre and add training facilities for GPs.

He said: "I understand the general feeling among GPs and patients is against centralisation."

The consultation is part of a strategic review of services in Billericay.

Ruth Osbourne, PCT spokesman, said consultations would begin soon with GPs and patients.

She said: "The consultation will be about how services are run.

"We have responded to Mr Baron, but are looking to meet him again to discuss his concerns."