CONSULTATION on the biggest shake-up of the NHS in North Yorkshire for decades begins today.

The public can attend one of two meetings called to outline the proposals pioneered by the Hambleton and Richmondshire Health Care Project.

The first is at 2pm at the Aysgarth Falls Country Club and the second at the Richmond Community Hospital, at 6.30pm.

Experts will be available to outline how the Primary Care Group and the Northallerton Health Services NHS Trust would evolve into a single organisation, between now and next April.

Closer ties would also be developed with neighbouring health service providers, with management of the Friarage Hospital's acute services in Northallerton passing to the South Tees Hospital NHS Trust.

However, managers are emphasising there is no threat of closure at either centre. They insist the objective is to make services more accessible, with closer partnerships developing.

As well as today's meeting others have also been planned at Darlington College, at Catterick Garrison, at 2pm, on Monday; Northallerton Methodist Church Hall, at 2pm, on Friday, July 13; Tennants Auction Rooms, in Leyburn, at 2pm, on Monday, July 16; Bedale Hall, at 6.30pm, on Thursday, July 19; Thirsk Racecourse at 6.30pm on Monday, July 23; Northallerton Methodist Church Hall, at 6.30pm on Thursday, July 26; and Great Ayton Parish Church Hall, at 6.30pm on Thursday, September 13.

For further details on the proposals call (01748) 834908