Two York GP practices have joined forces after a four month local consultation, bringing six surgeries into the same hands.

The plan to bring together the Haxby Group and Gale Farm was announced in August last year when patients and staff were asked to give their views, and the merger was finalised yesterday.

Haxby Group runs four GP surgeries in Haxby and Wigginton, Huntington, New Earswick and Stockton on the Forest; while Gale Farm's two surgeries are on Front Street, Acomb, and the Old Forge in Upper Poppleton.

John McEvoy, Managing Partner at the Haxby Group said: “After a significant amount of time, effort, careful consideration and consultation I am delighted that today Haxby Group and Gale Farm GP Practices in York have come together as one practice.

“With a long and rich history of service within the NHS family, both practices joining as one will ensure that our patients are well served, both now and long into the future as we share the challenges and changes within the NHS and healthcare in general.”

The Haxby Group also has three surgeries in Hull.