NEW elderly care services are set to be delivered in Thirsk thanks to a partnership between the Friends of Lambert Hospital and Herriot Hospice Homecare.

The two organisations have joined forces to expand the range of services available in end of life care across Hambleton and Richmondshire.

The ambitious plans include making more hospice beds available, day therapy and a specialist neurological service.

This will build on the services Herriot Hospice Homecare currently provides in patients’ own homes.

Liz Waller, secretary of The Friends of Lambert said the existing Lambert building “is in no way appropriate for this ambitious venture” so the intention is to explore a suitable site in Thirsk for a new building.

She added: “Following the decision to close the Lambert Hospital, the League of Friends remain determined to ensure that all our efforts and the wonderful donations from our community are invested in the best interests of Thirsk.

“One area of significant concern has always been around the services available in the area for those in the last stages of their life – with a 25 mile round trip for patients in Thirsk to attend many hospital appointments.

“It is here that the Lambert Hospital had historically been at its most effective.

“While the hospital became a well-loved building, we are keenly aware that what it represents is so much more than bricks and mortar.

“It is about people, and ensuring the right care is available to those who need it.

“Crucially, it is also about providing these services in a place that is both accessible and sustainable in the long-term, and it became clear that utilising the former Lambert Hospital building for this purpose would not enable us to achieve our far-reaching ambitions to support the patients of today, whilst laying the foundations of care for the future.

“A new, purpose-built site tailored to the needs of patients is the most effective, efficient and sustainable way forward to ensure local people living with terminal illness get the care they need, want and deserve.”

Chief executive of Herriot Hospice Homecare, Tony Collins, said: “Rooting community-centred services in Thirsk will mean care closer to home for local people, enabling them to remain in their place of choice for as long as possible.

The two groups are working with other organisations and individuals to develop the plans and more details will follow in the coming months.