More than 100 GP practices across Norfolk and Waveney have joined forces to create one of the largest health federations in the country.

Doctors from 106 surgeries have formed Iceni Healthcare Ltd to give local GPs more power when it comes to bidding for new NHS contracts. It comes after fears were raised that private companies could bid and win contracts for health services such as blood tests, physiotherapy sessions, and flu vaccinations under new rules.

Laura Halls, communications director, said: 'The federation has local people and local NHS services at its heart rather than profits in order to ensure that essential procedures remain local.

'It would be impractical, time consuming, costly and difficult for each individual practice to bid for tenders. However, 106 GP practices, combined with locally situated surgeries, listening to and acting on the needs of their patients, would be a powerful, relevant and appropriate organisation to which services could be awarded.'

The federation was formed on April 30 with the aim of protecting, maintaining, improving and innovating local NHS services presently provided by local GP Practices and to ensure patients continue to access these locally.