HEALTH bosses have suspended the practice manager at a Prestwich surgery at the centre of a massive police inquiry after a convicted criminal allegedly treated and advised patients despite having no medical qualifications.

Janice Langley was suspended from her job at Prestwich Health Centre by Bury and Rochdale Health Authority which has formerly taken control of the surgery.

Health bosses say they suspended Mrs Langley in order to determine whether she knew about Darren Gerrard, who is at the centre of an on-going police investigation into the alleged offences.

A health authority spokesperson said: "This is a neutral and temporary act pending further inquiries. Alternative temporary practice management arrangements have been made." Mrs Langley was suspended on April 20, the day the health authority took control of the surgery.

Gerrard (33) worked as a finance manager at Dr Colin Ogdon's surgery. It is believed he saw patients on an appointments basis at the Fairfax Road surgery, next to the Longfield precinct, offering them medical advice. Dr Ogdon is currently on sick leave and unavailable for comment.

Gerrard, who was working at the surgery from November until April 11, was escorted off the premises by police after staff at the surgery complained that he was a danger to patients.

Health bosses confirmed that the investigation has not identified any unusual patient deaths at the practice.

The investigation does not concern the other four GPs based at the health centre. A locum doctor is treating Dr Ogdon's patients.