PATIENTS of a former doctor's surgery are being welcomed into surrounding GP practices.

Daneshouse Medical Centre in Old Hall Street, Burnley, closed in August last year, leaving more than 3,000 patients without a permanent base.

Burnley Group Practice stepped up to help when the Daneshouse contract ended, but since then many patients have chosen to move to surgeries closer to home.

Now several other Burnley practices have come forward to accommodate the remaining patients.

Dr Mark Dziobon, Burnley GP, and medical director for East Lancashire Clinical Commissioning Group, said: "GP services are the cornerstone of the NHS and we value them deeply.

"I am heartened to see local practices stepping up to provide services for individuals and families in Burnley East.

"This transition will be done in a careful, managed way so that everyone can continue to receive safe, high quality GP services”.

East Lancashire CCG said it has written to every affected patient and allocated them to their nearest neighbouring GP practice.

They said that patients who have already chosen to register formally with Burnley Group Practice will not be affected, while people have the option of registering at another GP practice.

From 1 October, patients will also be able to contact their new practice to make appointments and order repeat prescriptions, with all medical records transferred automatically safely and securely.