TWO doctors' practices sharing a base in Evesham and serving more than 16,000 patients may be forced to relocate in the wake of the financial crisis facing the Primary Care Trust that covers the Vale.

South Worcestershire Primary Care Trust (PCT) is facing a budget deficit, which has prompted it to look into selling off assets - such as the Merstow Green-based health centre - to generate cash.

The centre houses the Abbey Medical Practice, which has more than 6,000 registered patients and Merstow Green Medical Practice, which has more than 10,000.

The prospect of the sell-off - under the Private Finance Initiative (PFI) - has come under fire from Vale MP Peter Luff, who said: "GPs who occupy space in PCT health centres have been told they will have to quit so they can be sold off to property developers who will provide new, more expensive, PFI accommodation."

Richard Allen, practice manager with the Abbey Medical Practice, said discussions were taking place with PCT chiefs over the possible relocation.

"We understand that one of the issues that has prompted this decision and debate is the need to realise capital money to offset this financial problem," he explained.

"One of the ways they can do that is to sell the sites where they have sites."

If the PFI scheme went ahead, it would mean the PCT would no longer own the premises but would lease them from any developer that bought them.

"We wouldn't want to relocate very far from where we are at present," said Mr Allen.

He went on: "The issue, really, is about where any such new premises could be and whether or not we would be required to vacate before the new premises were ready for occupation."

Mr Allen said it was likely the Abbey Medical Practice would eventually outgrow its current premises and would need to consider alternative ones, such as those proposed under the PFI option.

Wychavon District Council has said it wants to be kept in the picture about the PCT's current financial problems and solutions being considered. The council also wants to take the lead in representing residents and encouraging a public debate on the choices available.