The Tories claim the era of local family doctors is under threat with a fifth of GP surgeries facing closure.

Analysis by the party has concluded that Government proposals for creating large-scale "polyclinics" will result in 1,700 practices shutting down.

They will be replaced by super-surgeries housing up to 25 GPs, with longer opening hours, facilities for minor operations, and on-site pharmacies.

Ministers have hailed the plans as the future of healthcare, but opponents fear it will spell the end for the traditional doctor-patient relationship.

People could also end up travelling far greater distances for their medical appointments - particularly difficult for the elderly and those with chronic conditions.

Tory leader David Cameron will deliver a speech to the King's Fund on Monday, insisting that the traditional GP surgery is at risk, and only the Conservatives will save it.

Health Secretary Alan Johnson said: "David Cameron is once again misleading the public on the government's plans, but in the process, he has exposed the Tories as the party who want to cut extra NHS investment and stop expanding patient choice.

"We are opening 150 new GP-run health centres, open from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week.

"And because this programme is all paid for with new money, none of it will lead to a reduction in traditional GP services."

The Department of Health said it was investing an extra £250m to establish new primary care services in GP-run health centres and practices.

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