An NHS organisation has made a key investment in an innovative neighbourhood health service that aims to provide care to the rural population of North Yorkshire.
On 10 June 2026, University Hospitals Tees helped secure the future of Reeth Medical Centre by signing a five-year lease agreement for the facility.
This agreement has enabled Central Dales Practice to step in to continue providing GP access through a branch surgery in Reeth to more than 1,600 residents across Swaledale and Arkengarthdale.
The critical investment from the NHS organisation has allowed the building to reopen, following a potential closure after the retirement of Dr Mike Brookes.
Consultant in infection and general medicine James Dunbar said: “Dr Mike Brookes and Marie Brookes have delivered an outstanding service for the people of Reeth and the surrounding Dales. Their dedication to rural healthcare has created a strong foundation on which we are proud to build.
“While no one can truly replace the contribution they have made to the community, we share their commitment to ensuring that local people continue to receive high-quality, accessible care close to home.
“We would also like to thank everyone involved for all their hard work and dedication.”
University Hospitals Tees is also working on creating opportunities to develop a broader range of community and specialist healthcare services closer to home for people living in the rural Dales.
This includes support to enhance the provision of community services for housebound patients across Swaledale, Arkengarthdale and the Dales in Richmondshire.
The development forms part of a broader vision to bring together services provided by the NHS, local authority, community providers, the voluntary sector and mental health teams, enabling closer collaboration and a more joined-up experience for patients closer to home.
James added: “Our immediate priority has been to enable the continuation of primary care services in Reeth by supporting Central Dales Practice to provide services from Reeth Medical Centre.
“At the same time, we are working towards expanding the range of healthcare services available locally, including enhanced home visiting services for frailer patients, greater access to specialist hospital services within the community, and improved support for people who find it difficult to travel.”
Consultant in older person’s medicine Vicky Ewan said:
We are delighted to be working in collaboration with Heartbeat Primary Care CIC, ICB, local authority and our GP partners to provide integrated neighbourhood clinics for frailer patients in Richmondshire in the new few weeks, based at the Reeth Surgery. By bringing services closer to patients wherever possible, we hope not only to support the ambitions of the NHS 10-Year Health Plan, but also to help secure sustainable healthcare provision across Richmondshire for many years to come.”