DR Alison Close has been appointed as lead GP at a new health centre due to open in Bury town centre on October 1.

She joins Rock Healthcare at the Moorgate Primary Care Centre on Derby Way from Leigh Family Practice, where she was deputy clinical director.

In addition to being a GP, Dr Close is also a qualified paediatrician and will be a familiar face to many patients in Bury as she has spent much of her career here.

Dr Close completed some of her paediatric training at Fairfield Hospital and was later GP registrar for Dr Paul Norman at Minden Medical Centre before moving to Leigh.

Her training also enabled her to enjoy an overseas training post working under Scottish neurosurgeon Dr Iain Peden in the United States.

She said: “Rock Healthcare is a wonderful opportunity for patients in Bury to take part in a world class healthcare service.

“We will be offering a sensible and flexible patient-focused approach to health care with a range of services and opening hours.

“I have always worked in the North West and am absolutely delighted to be back in Bury. I know the place and many of the people here very well.”

The centre will be open to anyone, either non-registered patients on a walk-in basis or by booking an appointment in advance.

Patients will be able to do this while staying registered with their existing family doctor.