FAMILY doctors are in turmoil after discovering plans to provide up to the minute care at the new Leigh Health Park have been hit by a lack of funding.

Twenty thousand patients, four practices and 10 GPs will be affected if the second phase of development at Old Henry Street does not get off the ground.

And one doctor, who for nine and a half years has been running his Foxleigh Family Surgery with 2000 patients from a wooden shed in Henry Street, has launched a petition in protest at the shock announcement.

Dr Stephen Fox has also contacted Leigh MP Andy Burnham and written to Government Health Minister John Hutton asking him to investigate.

Dr Fox said four practices in Leigh were preparing to relocate, joining the five GPs from Bengal Street who moved into phase 1 in February and Tims and Parker chemists who transferred from Bradshawgate two weeks ago.

He said a letter from Ashton, Leigh and Wigan NHS chief executive, Peter Rowe, regarding problems of funding to PCTs from the Department of Health -- and asking doctors not to sign any contracts -- had come as a body blow.

He said: "Unfortunately Leigh is suffering extremely badly from having probably the lowest number of general practitioners to patients.

"Latest government figures show the national average going up to 63 GPs per 100,000 population, unfortunately we in Leigh are struggling as our numbers are now dropping to 42 per 100,000. This situation is causing intolerable problems.

"I came here temporarily for 18 months in 1995 and have seen so many schemes come and go. It is so annoying and it is putting pressure on all the doctors from College Street and Railway Road who are involved.

"We need better premises to provide a better service for patients and to attract new, younger doctors to the area."

Mr Burnham said: "I have been involved in discussions with many of Leigh's GPs about improving premises. I don't believe it is right that care should be given out of portable buildings in 2004. This is not acceptable, so I'll be seeking an urgent meeting with the PCT to see if we can find a way through the problem.

"Even if it is something the PCT cannot solve I will support the GPs all the way in trying to get phase two underway and take the matter up with ministers in London. The matter is not cut and dried and I am hopeful that a solution can be found."

PCTrust boss Mr Rowe said: "The first analysis of government funding indicates a significant shortfall to support proposed schemes across Greater Manchester.

"Further work is being undertaken to understand the situation but at present no firm commitment to support any new schemes is possible.

"It is important that doctors do not make any contractual commitment to proposed schemes until the overall position is understood. The situation is regrettable, wholly unanticipated and recognised as causing serious difficulties for practices which have made sincere efforts to move forward with premises development over the last year or so.

"The PCT is doing everything possible to understand the new funding allocation and to find a way to continue to develop high quality premises in the area."