DISTRICT nurses at rural GP surgeries could all be relocated to a single base in Nailsea. Currently practices across North Somerset have district nurses working alongside GPs, but under new proposals they will all be moved to form a single team at the hea

DISTRICT nurses at rural GP surgeries could all be relocated to a single base in Nailsea.Currently practices across North Somerset have district nurses working alongside GPs, but under new proposals they will all be moved to form a single team at the health centre in Nailsea.The nurses would travel out to practices in areas such as Churchill and Wrington and homes when required or treat patients in the Nailsea centre.Some doctors at rural practices fear the changes could be damaging for the relationship between nurses and GPs, who often have to discuss the particular needs of a patient.The changes have been proposed by North Somerset Primary Care Trust and will not begin until GPs and nurses are consulted.Trust chief executive Chris Born said: "This sort of arrangement already exists in Weston and it has been a success. If they are all based in one base they can support each other and provide advice. It means in times of sickness it is much easier to find cover."We can also base health visitors and social workers at Nailsea and it will mean all three teams will be able to work together."Our experience with this system is that the relationship between district nurses and doctors is maintained, but we are aware that this has caused some concern."The relationship between the two is often not lost because they are only a telephone call away."It very clear we need to consult with district nurses and doctors before anything happens as there are several issues which need to be agreed upon.