FOUR GP practices in Scarborough have merged, benefitting about 30,000 patients.

Belgrave, Falsgrave, Peasholm and Prospect Road surgeries joined forces on April 9 to launch a new partnership called Central Healthcare, which will be headed up by six GP partners.

The four surgeries will continue to operate from their current premises and patients will still be able to see their own doctor, if they wish.

In time, the merger will mean patients having access to more specialist care.

The merger of the four practices is not resulting in any redundancies. All existing staff are being retained, though some will be undertaking different roles.

There will be a new website which will make it easier for patients to order medicines and manage appointments.

The four existing websites will run along-side this for a short time until they are phased out.

Sally Brown, Primary Care Lead for NHS Scarborough and Ryedale Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), said: “The merger will bring about significant benefits for patients, including greater access to different health and social care professionals.

“There’s scope for more specialisms to be introduced, as well as additional clinics and appointment slots at evenings and weekends.

“This is a welcome step that secures the provision of GP services in Scarborough.”