GP leaders have queried claims that there is a huge surge in patients losing ready access to a doctor because of closures and mergers.

The figures show a continuing high level of practice closures.

But they also show a huge increase in practice mergers last year.

Some 41 practices were involved in mergers last year compared with 21 in 2014.

The number of practices closed stood at 31 compared with 30 the previous year and 11 in 2013.

But the Royal College of GPs said the figures might represent widespread reorganisation under way in general practice – including the create of GP federations.

The numbers were obtained through Freedom of Information requests to NHS England.

The college said a shortage of GPs was key to many closures.

But chair Dr Maureen Baker added: “A GP practice might close because surgeries are merging or forming a federation with other practices to pool their resources in the best interests of patient care – something that the College supports.

“But when this happens in some areas, particularly remote and rural areas, it can impact on our patients’ access to care, and every effort must be taken to avoid this.

“Decisions to merge practices are taken extremely seriously and the potential displacement of patients is a key consideration, even if the move is temporary. Wherever possible, efforts are made to ensure that patients are transferred to a practice nearby with minimal disruption.”

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