York hospital specialists must work more closely with colleagues from Harrogate and possibly Scarborough to maintain the most modern medical standards, the chief of executive of North Yorkshire Health Authority has warned.

But Barrie Fisher told the annual meeting of York and District Community Health Council that this did not necessarily mean a merger between the different health trusts.

Mr Fisher explained the different forces working on the NHS in North Yorkshire, including advances in medical technology and Government policy changes, meant that smaller district hospitals - including York's - did not on their own have the population base to support specialist teams in all areas.

But the health authority wanted to retain local access to services and was encouraging doctors within the county to work together.

On the formation of the new Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) and the position of Selby, Mr Fisher said he wanted a decision about how the area fitted within the overall North Yorkshire picture made within the next few months, and before the proposed formation of a PCT in York.

Mr Fisher agreed to look into delays in getting a assessment for a wheelchair in York.

The new CHC chairman is Polly Griffith, replacing Alan Hartley who has stepped down after four years in the post, but remains a CHC member. The new vice-chairman is Norman Clark.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.