STRONG recommendations to improve out-of-hours GP services in the Dales were adopted by Richmondshire District Council.

The findings of the authority's community and environment overview and scrutiny committee will now go to the county council health scrutiny committee, which commissioned the review.

Changes to the out-of-hours doctors service in the Dales earlier this year sparked bitter public outcry, particularly from people who had to travel 25 miles to the primary care centre at Catterick Garrison for emergency treatment.

The committee especially wants to see an ambulance standing by at the new ambulance station at Bainbridge during out-of-hours times - overnight and at weekends and bank holidays.

Members also want the ambulance station used as a satellite primary care centre, with paramedics and emergency nurse practitioners for initial patient assessment and a duty doctor travelling there when necessary.

Other recommendations include occasional Saturday surgeries at Bainbridge, relocation of the main PCC from Catterick Garrison to the Richmond Friary Hospital and more information for patients about how to make a complaint.

Coun Yvonne Peacock, district council scrutiny committee chairman, said access to health services in Richmond was sliding into a serious situation. "I believe these recommendations could be of benefit not just to the Dales people but to the whole of Richmondshire," she told the full council on Tuesday.