Danes Dyke Surgery in Scalby Road and South Cliff Surgery in Esplanade hope to join forces and merge into one practice under the name "Scarborough Medical Group."

Last night's meeting at Scarborough Hospital's Postgraduate Centre gave patients the chance to ask questions about the plans. Sylvia Roche, practice manager at Danes Dyke Surgery, explained that the process was all about offering a greater range of services for patients and giving people more choice about where they receive treatment.

She said: "People will still be able to see their own GP and make appointments in the same way at the same site. "We want to retain personal care from GPs as we know how important that is to our patients."

Mrs Roche also reassured patients that although the proposals are happening at the same time as the consultation regarding a polyclinic or "Darzi" centre in Scarborough, there is no connection between the two. Danes Dyke Surgery will move to new premises on the old Rugby Club site in Scalby Road.

The new medical centre, due for completion in early 2010, will have three floors and three times as many parking spaces as the old site. Dr Kath Halloran, of South Cliff Surgery, said that the changes mean that services such as extended diabetic care and minor surgery could be provided by the GP surgeries, which would save patients from making as many hospital visits.

The public consultation continues until September 3. The results will then go to the North Yorkshire and York Primary Care Trust and will be discussed at a public board meeting on September 16.

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