CONCERNS over concentrations of GP surgeries in some areas, while others totally lack facilities, have been highlighted in a public health consultation.

The issue was raised several times when the public gave its views on frontline health services provided by the Craven, Harrogate and Rural District NHS Primary Care Trust (PCT), in Harrogate and Knaresborough.

Two areas cited in the report as lacking doctors' surgeries were Harlow Hill and Bilton, in Harrogate.

Most people who used care services at Harrogate District Hospital were generally happy.

However, there was backing for the idea of reducing the number of times out-patients needed to attend for tests or follow-up sessions.

And there was a call to make those services available at alternative locations, such as health centres.

There were also calls for better availability of GP surgery appointments, more direct telephone access to doctors, longer surgery hours, shorter waiting times and more preventative measures.

On the information front, patients were strongly against spending NHS money on glossy publications.

A spokesman for the PCT said overall feedback had been very positive.