HEALTH chiefs have responded to a looming crisis in the Richmondshire area, confirming public services are to be upgraded to balance the closure of acute facilities at a leading private hospital run by monks.

A surgical ward, operating theatres, as well as the radiography, physiotherapy and x-ray departments at the St John of God Hospital, in Scorton, are to shut by the beginning of next month.

The Hospitaller Order of St John has confirmed a change of emphasis in North Yorkshire, with facilities to be developed to cater for the elderly, those suffering from Alzheimer's disease, their carers and families.

Although a number of additional posts are to be created, dozens of staff are still facing the dole queue as a result.

However, since the announcement in June, the privately-run Cleveland Nuffield in Stockton and the Darlington Memorial NHS Hospital have indicated a willingness to help some find work.

There was more good news yesterday when the Hambleton and Richmondshire Primary Care Group confirmed NHS services are to be expanded at the Friary Community Hospital, in Richmond.

A new agreement between the Northallerton Health Services NHS Trust and the St John of Good Hospital will also mean the hydrotherapy pool at Scorton will remain available to patients across the district, under the supervision of physiotherapists from Richmond.

"We have had a series of meetings with the Hospitaller Order and understand why they have decided to withdraw from providing aspects of service which I know are greatly valued locally," said Hambleton and Richmondshire Primary Care Group chief executive, Helen Smith.

She said: "Our joint priority has been to ensure as much continuity of service as possible, so I am pleased we have been able to work with the Northallerton trust to boost provision quickly at its facility in Richmond.

"This means we can continue to offer a responsive and patient-centred service locally," she said.

"All parties are working very hard with everyone concerned to minimise disruption to patients during the changeover period.

"I hope patients who use these services will bear with us as we are doing everything possible to ensure a smooth transfer.