A WOMAN is urging Dorset residents to fight plans for 'super' doctors' surgeries.

Eileen Laidler, 67, of Cattistock says government plans to replace local GP surgeries with large polyclinics will hit villages like hers the hardest.

She said: "We have the most wonderful surgery in Maiden Newton and the most wonderful doctors.

"They have saved lives in my immediate family - including my father.

"Out in the country people are pretty isolated. To have to drive miles somewhere would be quite worrying.

"People need to feel secure."

Ministers want to see super GP surgeries in England, housing doctors alongside social workers, nurses and physiotherapists.

They would provide some services traditionally carried out in hospitals, such as diabetes treatment, minor surgery and diagnostic tests.

Patients and doctors have condemned the policy but the NHS Confederation, which represents local health chiefs, said it could improve care.

Mrs Laidler said: "The greatest thing with polyclinics is distance.

"But the personal side of surgeries will also be taken away.

"People won't have that personal connection so they won't know the whole person. I think that is important.

"For example, I went for a routine check-up with my GP and he picked up that I was feeling lower then average. "

He knew me as a person - but that sort of thing would go."

Mrs Laidler is asking people to sign a petition at Maiden Newton surgery and write to MP Oliver Letwin over the issue.

She said: "This is quite a worrying thing but I think we can bring this to the notice of the general public.

"The rural areas, once again, will suffer here.

"I also think there would be more pressure on accident and emergency departments as a result."

The government has called for 150 polyclinics to be set up in England.