PEOPLE in Richmond were reminded yesterday that the future of the Duchess of Kent's hospital at Catterick Garrison was still firmly on the agenda of local campaigners.

They mounted a low-key demonstration with placards in the grounds of the Friary hospital, telling passers-by to write to their MP and health chiefs, ahead of a discussion on primary care at a public meeting of Richmond central parish forum last night.

Campaigners who opposed the transfer of patient services from the DKH to the Friarage hospital, Northallerton, voiced their fears over a number of health care issues and said they hoped to mount a similar demonstration in Richmond town centre tomorrow.

They said the future of local health care was closely bound up with any financial fall-out at Northallerton Health Services NHS Trust from claims expected to be lodged following the Richard Neale affair.

Campaigners asked whether the Friarage could remain viable when the Ministry of Defence contract ended and 100 military staff moved on.

They said questions had been raised over the future of North Yorkshire health authority. If it was split up, people who wanted a local hospital would prefer a merger with Darlington, which had originally offered to take over the services previously given by the DKH.

Coun Tony Pelton, of the DKH campaign group, said the Friary was a community cottage hospital and a similar service was being suggested at Thornborough Hall, Leyburn, but a general hospital was needed to serve the whole area.

"The DKH is in the middle of about 40,000 people and we are aiming to reassure them that we are still campaigning for it. We have to fly the flag.

"People think the DKH is finished and done with, but we think it should be reopened and taken over by the NHS, which will be able to train doctors and will have income from the MoD.

"We have lost accident and emergency services and need more facilities in this area. People are considerably inconvenienced by having to go to Northallerton.