AS HUNDREDS of GP surgeries across the country refuse to take on new patients because their practices are so understaffed Wirral doctors have "largely avoided" closing their lists.

Health bosses say the borough is "fortunate" in being able to attract medical professionals as a place to live and work.

A BBC investigation published on Wednesday identified 299 practices that were no longer taking on patients as they struggle to cope with "unprecedented pressure."

Doctors said restricting new registrations is the only way of maintaining safe care for existing patients.

Just under half of those who applied in 2014-15 were either denied permission or withdrew the request, the broadcaster's inquiry found.

However Wirral Clinical Commissioning Group, the umbrella organisation for health care in the borough, said: “Like all areas of the NHS, doctors’ surgeries are facing increasing demand and expectations but Wirral has largely avoided restrictions on new patients registering with them.

“We are somewhat fortunate, probably due in part to local university links and in attracting professionals to an area they want to live and work in.

"Recruiting new GPs has so far not been such a problem as it has been for other areas of the country highlighted recently.”

However Wirral Clinical Commissioning Group, the umbrella organisation for health care in the borough, said: “Like all areas of the NHS, doctors’ surgeries are facing increasing demand and expectations but Wirral has largely avoided restrictions on new patients registering with them.

“We are somewhat fortunate, probably due in part to local university links and in attracting professionals to an area they want to live and work in.

"Recruiting new GPs has so far not been such a problem as it has been for other areas of the country highlighted recently.”

Dr Chaand Nagpaul, British Medical Association's GP committee chairman, told the BBC: "GP services are reaching breaking point as they struggle to cope with rising patient demand, falling resources and a shortage of GPs.

"Closing their list is the only option to maintain safe care to their local community."

He said general practice across England "is under unprecedented pressure."

NHS England told the Globe there are some 5,000 more full-time equivalent GPs than ten years ago but admitted they are under pressure and need support.

A spokesman said: “When we receive a request to close a GP practice list we consider both the impact on patients as well as on neighbouring practices and services to avoid displacing a problem elsewhere.

“We’re working hard to support GPs, including investing £15m in a ten-point plan to boost the workforce and £10m to help vulnerable practices.

“We’ll soon be introducing a national occupational health specification which will ensure consistent support for GPs, and we’re also working with others to develop new services to combat issues like stress and burn-out.”