Final preparations are underway for the launch of Carlisle’s new “super surgery”, with less than a month to go.

Carlisle Healthcare will see three existing GP practices – Brunswick House, St Paul’s and North Carlisle – merge into one.

They will continue to operate from their existing premises, rather than combining on a shared site, but will have a new shared phone number and patients will have access to all of the merged services.

After months of planning, Carlisle Healthcare is set to go live on October 1, with the first working day being on Monday, October 3.

It will serve a total of 38,000 patients across the city.

The practices have already held a number of engagement events to give patients a chance to voice any concerns or suggestions, and another is set to take place on Monday night at the Shepherd’s Inn.

Letters have also been sent to all of those patients on their books.

GPs at the three practices say the merger will help them address long-standing problems and improve services for patients. For example GP recruitment is a major challenge across Cumbria, with a national shortage of doctors and high numbers of retirements.

Many local practices have had to change the way they operate to meet day-to-day demands – which are also increasing significantly as people live longer.

Those behind Carlisle Healthcare decided to team up so they could combine resources and in turn, better meet these demands.

Robert Westgate, a GP at Brunswick House, said: “The reasons behind this are many but put simply, the merger will allow us to better deliver general practice services to our registered population.

“We are working hard to ensure that it will be business as usual on Monday, October 3, but with a drive towards improved access to appropriate clinicians and an emphasis on high-quality care and positive experience for all.

“The partners are committed to delivering traditional practice values within the new larger practice setting.”

The doctors behind the plans have always maintained that patients will still be able to see their existing GP at their current surgery, be it in Eden Street, St Paul’s Square, Brunswick Street or the branch surgeries in Eastern Way and Arnside House, Harraby.

However those who wish to will also be able to use another surgery if more convenient.

For patients, the main initial change will be the new telephone number – 01228 588121 – although the existing numbers will still be operational for the first few months while it beds in.

Patients will initially get through to a triage line, where specially-trained call handlers will ask them to briefly explain their problem so they can be directed to the best person, be it a GP, nurse practitioner or another professional.

By doing this it is hoped that GP time will be freed up, and most people will therefore be seen that same day.

Patients will also be able to book an appointment up to six weeks in advance.

The new merged practice will have appointments available between 8am and 8pm Monday to Thursday, and until 6.30pm on Fridays.

Some patients will have to re-register for repeat prescriptions.

Anyone wanting to attend the patient engagement event on Monday evening should contact their current surgery in advance as places are limited.