By Pamela McGowan Health reporter

Last updated 09:35, Friday, 10 October 2008

More than 1,500 patients have responded to a consultation over proposals to create a new super surgery in Carlisle.

Hilltop Heights

They will now be analysed by the University of Cumbria, who will report to health bosses at the end of November.

This is later than initially planned due to the high level of interest in the scheme.

The proposals, to merge six existing city centre practices – at Brunswick House, Spencer Street and four at Grosvenor House/Warwick Square – have attracted much comment over the past few months.

The most controversial element is the site for the new facility – with bosses proposing Hilltop Heights, London Road, as the prime contender.

But the issue has attracted much debate locally, with many arguing the site is too far from the centre and that the transport links are poor.

Some even launched a campaign in favour of a new location in Denton Holme, nearer the majority of patients.

However, bosses say that better transport links will be created, including an extension of the bus route, and more work will be carried out from the existing Morton surgery.

Over the summer, the surgeries’ 35,000 patients were given a chance to put forward opinions at a series of meetings. Questionnaires were also posted out to 2,000 random patients and were available to pick up at the practices or filled in via the internet.

The Carlisle Medical Group confirmed over 1,500 responses were received and passed on to the University of Cumbria.

Academics are currently analysing the results and compiling a detailed report.

This was due to be completed by October, but has been delayed until November due to the volume of responses.

The report will be presented to NHS Cumbria, the primary care trust (PCT) and decision-making body.

The information will be online at the surgery websites and through the local media.