HEALTH chiefs have confirmed an important medical service, which seemed set for the axe at the end of this month, will continue.

During a briefing from the Central Dales Consultative Group, Bainbridge Parish Council was told of a number of changes at GP surgeries in Hawes and Aysgarth.

In future, only morning surgeries will be run on an open basis. Save for emergencies, evenings will be set aside for patients with appointments.

However, what prompted more concern was the news that the minor injuries unit seemed set to close at the end of the month.

The decision would have meant that the nearest similar clinic would have been in Richmond or Northallerton.

Askrigg ward member on Richmondshire District Council, Yvonne Peacock, said most people seemed willing to accept the change to local surgery hours.

The objective is to make better use of the doctors' available time, freeing them to see patients with new complaints in the mornings and those with regular appointments in the evenings.

However, the possible closure of the minor injuries unit was prompting considerable concern.

Coun Peacock said: "If a farmer was to cut his finger at work, where would he go in future?

"If he had to drive all the way to Northallerton, it may be he would decide not to bother, which could increase the risk of infection.

"We need professionals to make those decisions for us and it is worrying that they could end up such a long way away. We need to improve health services in the Dales, not make them worse.''

However, the Hambleton and Richmondshire Primary Care Trust confirmed yesterday that the minor injuries unit will remain.

Chief executive Chris Long said: "We have always said one of our key priorities is to have services as close to peoples' homes as possible.

"Following constructive discussion, we can confirm the minor injuries service will continue to be provided after April 1.

"The Dales practice has always provided first-rate care to the people of Wensleydale and the Primary Care Trust is going to work closely with them to develop even more services over the forthcoming year."