SIR - I am writing to raise my concerns over the threat that the Government poses to our local GP practices.

We should all be opposed to the proposed changes to local GP services and the encouragement by the Government of commercial companies to set up and provide their own.

Contrary to what the Government and the media are saying, GPs are not refusing to extend their opening hours.

The Government is not offering any extra funding for surgeries to open longer and this will inevitably lead to poorer patient care. It is for this reason that they currently remain opposed to the proposed changes.

If the Government has its way, this will lead to the demise of our family surgeries and our health care will be run by companies with their own profits coming before our needs. Our GPs need your support. I urge you all to write to your primary care organisation. Write to your MP and tell them how much you value your local surgery. Write to the national and local press telling them that you are against these changes and why.

For further information, please visit www.saveoursurgeries. co.uk.

HELEN BATE, Worcester.