A SERIES of public meetings have been arranged in a "let the people speak" exercise over plans to merge two of North Yorkshire's National Health Service primary care groups into a joint trust.

North Yorkshire Health Authority is planning to merge the Harrogate and Craven Groups and 11 public meetings to discuss the shake-up will start on Monday, July 30, at 7pm at the Christ Church Parish Centre, Harrogate.

The joint trust would cover Harrogate, Knaresborough, Ripon, Pateley Bridge, Boroughbridge and Masham along with Skipton, Grassington, Settle and Bentham.

In a statement North Yorkshire Health Authority said if the trust was set up it would bring improved health services, giving more say to GPs and other health professionals about how services would develop.

It would also enable staff in doctors' practices and community health staff to work more closely.

The new trust would be responsible for its own budget, provide more services in doctors' practices and health centres and work with hospitals to reduce waiting times.

Other meetings scheduled as part of the consultation will be held as follows: Skipton Town Hall, August 2, 7pm; Bishopside and Bewerley Memorial Hall, Pateley Bridge August 7, at 7.30pm; Victoria Hall, Settle, August 9, at 7pm; Ingleborough Community Centre, Ingleton, August 30, at 7pm; Masham Town Hall, September 5, at 7pm; Great Ouseburn Village Hall, near York September 6, 7pm; King James's School, Knaresborough, September 11, 7pm Glusburn Institute, near Skipton, September 12, 2pm; Ripon Leisure Centre, September 18, 2.30pm; Boroughbridge High School September 20, 7pm.

The consultation runs until October 12. Views can be sent to the Chief Executive, North Yorkshire Health Authority, Sovereign House, Kettlestring Lane, Clifton Moor, York