Survey reveals patients’ fears over Yorkshire Dales medical centre closure
Reeth Medical Centre is set to close at the end of May
A new community group campaigning to protect GP services in the Yorkshire Dales says the closure of Reeth Medical Centre could force people to leave the area.
The Healthcare Alliance for Reeth Community (HARC) was created following the announcement last month that the medical centre will close.
The group has carried out a survey to assess the likely impact of losing the centre, with more than 75 per cent of households taking part and feedback gathered from more than 1,200 residents.
A deal has since been agreed for the Wensleydale-based Central Dales Practice to run a surgery in Reeth two days a week, subject to suitable premises being found, once the centre closes at the end of the month.
But HARC says the survey’s results highlight the importance of ensuring a comprehensive primary care service remains in the Swaledale and Arkengarthdale area.
According to the survey’s findings, 76 per cent of respondents said the closure could affect their ability to continue living in the area long term.
The survey also highlighted concerns over healthcare access in remote rural communities, with 74 per cent of households saying someone in their home has a chronic condition requiring monitoring.
More than 80 per cent said they rely on the surgery dispensary for guaranteed winter access to medication, while 27 per cent warned they could become “clinically cut off” during winter months. One in 10 households also reported having no access to a car.
HARC said many younger families described the possible loss of GP services as a “final straw”, particularly following previous cuts to school transport, and warned it could lead to people leaving the area altogether.
The group has offered to share its findings with NHS Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board.
Deborah Kerrigan, part of the HARC team coordinating the campaign, said: “We are glad that community voices are now part of this conversation.
“People have been left scared and worried and have felt cut out of the process. It’s time for that to change, and we are delighted that all parties involved recognise that.
“We want to be clear that the community stands ready to support the Central Dales team in whatever way we can.”
North Yorkshire Council’s scrutiny of health committee will meet on Friday to discuss the closure.
The meeting will be held at the Church of St Andrew in Grinton from 11am.