A deal has been agreed to maintain GP services in a Yorkshire Dales community following the closure of the local medical centre.
NHS Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) has approved an application for a two-day branch surgery to operate in Reeth.
The application from Central Dales Practice will support around 1,500 patients, who will transfer to the practice when Reeth Medical Centre closes at the end of May, following the retirement of GP Mike Brookes.
The deal is subject to securing suitable premises, with talks ongoing on whether the existing medical centre can be used or new premises would be needed.
Subject to finding premises, the Reeth branch surgery will initially open Tuesdays and Thursdays offering face‑to‑face GP and nursing appointments from 9am to 6pm.
The branch will be supported by Richmondshire Primary Care Network.
On the days when the branch surgery is not open, patients will be able to attend Central Dales surgeries in Aysgarth or Hawes.
Alex Seale, the ICB’s senior responsible officer for neighbourhood working, said: “We know how deeply local people value having access to healthcare close to home, particularly in a very rural community like Reeth, and we tried very hard to find an alternative provider who could viably take over the Reeth Medical Centre contract, unfortunately, without success.
“However, establishing a branch surgery is a practical and proportionate way to protect access for patients following the handback of the Reeth Medical Centre contract, while ensuring services remain safe and sustainable for the long term.”
The ICB said it acknowledged that without a presence in Reeth, patients would face significantly longer journeys.
The NHS officer added: “We are grateful to Central Dales Practice and the wider GP practice community in Richmondshire for stepping forward with a solution that reflects the ICB’s commitment to reducing geographical health inequalities, when we were seemingly out of options.”
Central Dales Practice managing partner, Lynn Irwin, added: “GP Practices across Richmondshire have been united in working together to retain vital services in Reeth and since news emerged that we were looking into establishing a branch surgery, we’ve been blown away by people’s support.
“It’s been wonderful to see how the Dales communities have rallied in recent weeks, and I know we can count on residents’ patience and understanding while we work through our plans.”
The deal has been welcomed by Richmond and Northallerton MP Rishi Sunak.
He said: “This is real progress given that less than a week ago patients were facing the complete loss of this vital local service at the end of next month.
“After so much hard work by the local community and my constant pressing of the ICB to re-think their approach in order to find a solution, this is welcome news.”
The MP said there were still issues to be addressed, particularly the search for premises.
He added: “I also want to be reassured that, if necessary, the number of days when services are available could be increased to meet the needs of the elderly and the most vulnerable patients.”
Councillor Yvonne Peacock, member for the Upper Dales, added: “A branch surgery provides reassurance that people won’t be left without local access, while recognising the realities of delivering services in a very rural area.
“I welcome the collaborative approach that’s been taken to reach this point.”
A new community group to represent patients in the two dales, Healthcare Alliance for Reeth Community, was launched earlier this month.
Olivia Rathbone, from the group, also welcomed the announcement.
She said: “Huge credit must go to the Central Dales team and the wider local healthcare teams who have worked incredibly hard to make this possible at such short notice.
“We now need to understand exactly what these changes will mean for people on the ground and to work constructively with the ICB and partners to build on this important foundation so patient safety can be assured.”
The group said it was developing plans to help secure the existing surgery for continued use as a medical centre.
The transfer of patients to Central Dales Practice would take the practice list size from approximately 4,250 to 5,750 patients.
