THE forthcoming closure of Easingwold’s minor injuries service has seen the region’s health authority issue a reminder of where treatment will be available.

The controversial closure of the service at Saint Monica’s Hospital will go ahead on January 3. Now, Dr Phil Kirby, the associate director of public health for NHS North Yorkshire and York, has tried to ease concerns over how services can be reached in the wake of the St Monica’s decision.

He said: “People living in North Yorkshire have access to a range of NHS treatment and advice services, such as pharmacies where you can get on-the-spot advice and treatment from a trained professional. Many of these services are available late at night and on weekends too.

“NHS Direct is another service that is often overlooked. It can provide confidential advice and is available 24 hours a day. It’s a great service to use if you’re unsure about what action to take and want guidance from a professional.”

Last month Tollerton-based GP Mike Potrykus said the closure was “very short-sighted” and said the unit provided a good service and had very competent nursing staff who were well supported and had direct contact with GPs if a problem arose.

The recommendation to close the three minor injuries units was made by the Hambleton and Richmondshire Commissioning Group (HRCG) – a group of 17 GP practices in the Hambleton and Richmondshire districts of North Yorkshire.

Grahame Dickinson, chairman of the HRCG, said: “We have a duty to balance clinical issues with access to services.

All GP surgeries in Hambleton and Richmondshire are funded to provide minor injuries services from 8am to 6pm during the week.

“Community hospitals have a prime responsibility to look after their in-patients who are often frail and elderly. These patients are put at risk when ward staff are called away to see minor injuries cases.”

NHS Direct can be contacted on 0845 4647.