Danes Dyke Surgery, in Scalby Road, and South Cliff Surgery, in Esplanade, have started a public consultation on the proposals which will continue until September 3.

Sylvia Roche, practice manager, at Danes Dyke Surgery, said the new practice will keep the best features of the two current practices and will offer increased choice and greater healthcare provision to all patients.

The merger will create Scarborough's largest practice, which will have around twelve doctors and 40 attached staff. Patients of the combined practice will still be able to see the same doctors as now.

Mrs Roche, practice manager at Danes Dyke Surgery, said: "Patients of the current practices will be able to attend any of the new practices' three premises in Newby, South Cliff or Cloughton, making services more accessible and reducing the need to travel.

"The merger will also reduce the need for patients to de-register when moving house as the practice boundaries will be extended.

"Danes Dyke Surgery has considerable teaching and educational expertise, and has strong links with the Yorkshire Deanery, Leeds University and the Hull and York Medical School.

"This expertise will be shared with the South Cliff Surgery which currently has Hull York Medical School students and will also now become a doctor training practice."

Mrs Roche said: "Danes Dyke Surgery is currently in the process of relocating to vastly improved new premises close by on Scalby Road which will enable us to provide a greatly extended range of services to all patients of the new practice.

"South Cliff Surgery is undergoing building work to improve facilities by adding further consulting rooms."

The merger has been discussed with staff at both practices and a formal 30- day consultation period is now under way. This will include consultation with the Primary Care Trust's overview and scrutiny committee and Patient and Public Involvement Forum.

An open meeting will be held on August 21 at 7pm at the Post Graduate Centre at Scarborough Hospital.

Other surgeries in Scarborough have already merged to create so-called super surgeries. These include Eastfield Medical Centre and Lawrence House in Belgrave Crescent, Falsgrave.

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