THE FUTURE of a second Bradford doctors' surgery hangs in the balance as its contract runs out this summer.

The five-year contract currently held by Local Care Direct to run Manningham Medical Practice in Lumb Lane will end in June and now Bradford City Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is mulling over its future options for the surgery.

The 3,600 people registered there are being invited to have their say as part of a consultation.

Meanwhile, patients at Woodhead Road Surgery in Lidget Green have until February 8 to make their views known on its future. The contract for One Medicare, part of the One Medical Group, ran out on September 30 and a temporary six-month contract was given to a nearby surgery to keep it open until an outcome is known.

A CCG spokesman said turnouts at public meetings about the Woodhead surgery had been good with lots of response from its patients which would all be collated and reviewed by the CCG before a final decision on its fate was made. The Manningham consultation finishes on March 31.

Options for Manningham Medical Practice include offering Local Care Direct an extended contract, finding someone new to run it or closing the surgery down and helping patients find a new GP.

Patients are being sent an information leaflet about the proposed changes which includes a list of 15 other GP surgeries within just over one mile from the practice, most of them are accepting new patients.

Dr Akram Khan, clinical chairman at Bradford City CCG, said: “We want to hear as many people’s views as possible to make sure the right decision is made about the future of Manningham Medical Practice. We have to find the best way for patients to continue to get the care they need.

“It’s really important for patients and other people to have their say on the proposals so that we can take their views into account. In the meantime, patients can continue to see their doctor and other staff at the surgery as usual."

Cllr Ishtiaq Ahmed (Manningham, Bradford Independent Group) said it would be disastrous if the practice closed. "It serves more than 3,500 people in a highly-deprived area and would be a disaster if it closes and those patients had to be dispersed elsewhere, especially when some of those nearest other centres are already over subscribed. It would make it even more difficult for people to get an appointment and the care they need. The best option in my view would either be to extend the current contract or get someone else to run it."

Cllr Shabir Hussain (Manningham, Lab) said: "It's important everyone gets involved in this. If you want something you have to raise your voice about it otherwise no one cares."

Dates for drop-in sessions at the practice to hear people's views are Monday, January 18 from 5.30pm to 7pm, Monday, January 25 from 10am to 11.30am and then Monday, February 8 from noon until 1.30pm.

Patients can also either email their views to consultation@bradford.nhs.uk or telephone the PALS service.