HUNDREDS of new patients have already registered at a NHS health centre in Leigh since it opened.

The Leigh Primary Care Centre has been given the thumbs up from local people as 400 new patients have signed up to the London Road clinic.

The former Pall Mall surgery moved into the centre in April and health bosses want more surgeries to move into the facility as well.

It is the first of its kind in this area, where patients have their GP in the same building as other health professionals, including district nurses, health visitors, blood-taking services and midwives.

Kate Halliday, the centre manager, said any fears about the quality of the doctor/patient relationship had vanished. She said: "This is a terrific new facility and we are delighted that local people are making the most of it.

"Some patients were worried they would lose the relationship they had with the staff and GPs of Pall Mall. But patients have continued to see the same receptionist and the same GP, and are very much reassured and positive about the centre.

"They can work with GPs and other health professionals to develop integrated services for the local community."

Patients at the former Pall Mall clinic do not have to register again at the new clinic and new centres are now planned for Westcliff, Rayleigh and Shoebury.

Dr Tony Dickens, from the Pall Mall surgery, added: "It is a great new environment to work in. Staff and patients are happier, and it has greatly improved our ability to provide health care, as well as allowing a closer working relationship with our other primary care colleagues. The new premises also allow greater opportunities for teaching junior doctors, medical students and nurses."

Across the country fears have been raised that new clinics would be too big to offer patients continuity of care, and there were concerns they would not provide value for money.

But Andrew Pike, chief executive of South East Essex Primary Care Trust, said he was "delighted that people in Leigh are so pleased with their new NHS centre".

He added: " While we are aware there is some negative publicity about such developments, it seems patients are voting with their feet and making it clear they support these new NHS health centres."