HEALTH bosses have revealed they are looking at creating a unique partnership between the MOD and the NHS in the Richmondshire area to provide care.

Hambleton, Richmondshire and Whitby Clinical Commissioning Group say they have been working closely with the Ministry of Defence to create a brand new integrated facility in the Richmondshire area which would be a first in the world health and care campus by 2022.

The news comes after rising concern in Richmond over the future of services at the Friary Hospital.

A joint statement issued by the CCG and the Ministry of Defence said the plans are moving forward.

Dr Mark Hodgson, local GP and CCG Governing Body member said: “This joint NHS and MOD project aims to enhance the current GP services in the Richmond area by developing an integrated health and wellbeing service and facility to serve both the military and civilian populations.

This means creating a unique partnership between the NHS and MOD so that the whole population, armed forces and civilian, experience access to high quality services in the most efficient way.

“It’s an exciting opportunity to take the initiative to do something which has not been done before and to complement existing services.”

Maj Gen Paul Cain, Director for Healthcare Delivery for MODs Joint Medical Group added: “There is already a large military population in Richmondshire which includes soldiers and their families alongside existing residents and those moving into the area. Many additional service personnel and their families will also be rebased onto the Catterick Garrison site in the next 10 years. It is therefore essential that there is adequate provision of local services to meet the demand, and that includes healthcare and social care services.

“The work we are taking forward in collaboration with the NHS is a critical part of the plan and will ensure that everybody, whether in the military or from the local community gets the best possible care in modern facilities.”

The CCG say they are working closely with other health and social care partners, the voluntary sector and public representatives from across Richmondshire to help to drive the programme and inform the proposals.

They’re asking anyone who wants more regular updates or to get involved as a patient, resident or member of the voluntary sector to email hrwccg.feedback@nhs.net