Rishi has said he is encouraged by the progress made in keeping a GP service in Reeth.
Following contact with regional health chiefs on Friday (April 24), he is confident that a plan involving the Central Dales Practice at Hawes and Aysgarth running Reeth as a branch surgery should provide a solution.
He said: “I understand that following the submission of the business plan by the Central Dales Practice, the regional health board is happy with what is being proposed. That is a three-day week model staffed by a combination of the Central Dales team and the local primary care network of other practices in the Richmondshire area.
“The surgery would be based in the existing premises for six month while alternative locations were explored.”
He added: “I believe this plan could be signed off next week so there would be continuity of the service beyond the end of May when the Brookes are due to retire.”
Rishi urged patients not to be despondent about the letters they are receiving from the ICB which refers to patients being dispersed to other practices and the Reeth surgery closing.
“Subject to their processes which must still be completed, it is my understanding that the NHS Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board wish to proceed with the branch surgery model supported by GPs from across Richmondshire and an announcement could be made next week.”
