Subscribe to trusted local news
In a time of both misinformation and too much information, quality journalism is more crucial than ever. By subscribing, you can help us get the story right.
- Subscription costs less than £1 a week with an annual plan.
Already a subscriber? Log in here.
07
Feb
New mobile GP clinic could be trialled in Pateley Bridge
A new mobile clinic looks set to come to Pateley Bridge to help treat patients in rural areas.
Yorkshire Health Network, a federation of 16 GP practices in the Harrogate district, said it is considering operating the clinic in the town once a month.
Ben Coulson, chief executive of the network, said it was considering the feasibility of the scheme which would serve Pateley Bridge and three other rural areas.
The plan would see the clinic operate in the town one Saturday per month from 10am to 4pm. Patients would be able to book appointments through their GP practice.
The network hopes the clinic would help reduce the need to travel for routine GP appointments.
Mr Coulson said the move would help patients who often struggle to access healthcare in Ripon or Harrogate to receive support.
He said:
As a community-focused organisation, we are continually seeking opportunities to better reach the patients we serve, particularly given the varied and often challenging geography of the area.
We recognise that rurality and limited access to central hubs in Harrogate or Ripon represent a significant inequality for some patients.
Mr Coulson added that the network was engaging with local communities at this stage, including Pateley Bridge Town Council, to determine the best location for the clinic.
He said:
At present, we are considering the development of a mobile clinic to support patients who are based further from our existing hub-delivered clinics. Pateley Bridge is one of four rural areas we are exploring as part of this approach.
We are engaging with local communities to understand interest, identify suitable locations, and build relationships that could support future development of the project should it prove successful.
Should the clinic go-ahead, it would be operated on a pilot basis.
Do you think this is needed? If you live in the Pateley Bridge area and have a view let us know in the comment below..
0