Controversial proposals for a healthcare shake-up were coming under fire today from councillors in Otley.

Last month the Telegraph & Argus reported how Bradford Health Authority was backing the creation of five primary care groups in Bradford under Government plans to give family doctors and community nurses a greater say on local health services.

Under the proposals Otley and Guiseley would be joined with Ilkley and Menston, creating a group which crossed the boundaries between Bradford and Leeds health authorities.

But members of Otley Town Council believe a Wharfedale Primary Care Group would prove too small and fragmented to be viable.

They prefer Leeds Health Authority's favoured course of action, which opposes the link-up in favour of including Otley in one of a series of five wedge-shaped areas radiating out from the centre of Leeds.

But the Leeds Local Medical Committee, which represents the city's GPs, has backed proposals for a Wharfedale PCG and the NHS's regional executive has asked Leeds Health Authority to reconsider its decision when it meets on Tuesday.

Otley Town Council is now planning to write to the Leeds authority urging it to stick to its original decision.

Regional NHS bosses are expected to make a final recommendation on primary care groups by the end of August, which will be passed on the health secretary Frank Dobson.

Town council leader Sue Egan said councillors would work closely with whatever group was finally established but added: "After further discussions with local GPs we remain convinced the proposal for a relatively small PCG, although superficially attractive, is not viable.

Town and City Councillor Phil Coyne added: "The Leeds model offers an opportunity to work together with primary care providers and social services within the health authority area and will strengthen the position of the local hospital which depends on Leeds patients as well as referrals from the immediate Wharfedale area."

Leeds Health Authority spokesman Neil Simpson said members would be reconsidering their decision in light of the local medical committee's views.

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