HEALTH bosses have announced proposals they hope will build on progress made since the Hambleton and Richmondshire Primary Care Trust was formed just over a year ago.

Developments planned for the coming months will include:

* A GP-led service for dermatology and minor plastic surgery, designed to reduce waiting times and allow more patients to be seen out of hospital,

* A review of musculo-skeletal services in conjunction with the South Tees Trust, which should cut the time out-patients wait for services such as orthopaedic surgery,

* Work on reforming emergency care to reduce the number of emergency hospital admissions,

* Reviewing the provision of chemotherapy services, so that some patients can be treated at home,

* Working with dentists to improve access to NHS services,

* Working with the Army, GPs, social services and dentists towards overall improvements in health care in Catterick Garrison and Thirsk,

* Improving care for the elderly, including the appointment of a community consultant in elderly care and a mental health liaison nurse, and

* Enhancing the audiology service, including the appointment of an additional audiologist, as well as the purchase of equipment for the Friary, Friarage and Bedale clinics.

Chief executive Chris Long said: "Primary care trusts are a new type of organisation and this is helping us find new ways of doing things.

"The emphasis is on innovation, flexibility and partnership, so organisational barriers and traditional ways of working do not get in the way of service improvements. We are already reaping the benefits and patients are beginning to see the difference we are making."