EXTRA public events have been confirmed as part of a 12-week formal consultation on potential changes to adult mental health services across Hambleton and Richmondshire.

The NHS Hambleton, Richmondshire and Whitby Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) are looking at three options to keep mental health services sustainable in the area.

Depending on the outcome of the consultation, this could mean that the mental health wards at the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton are closed down.

The options have already been shared at consultation events across Hambleton and Richmondshire and now more dates have been added.

Janet Probert, chief officer of the CCG said: “After speaking with many service users, carers, clinicians and voluntary groups over the past few months it has been made very clear that more support for mental health is needed in the community.

“We’ve already seen community services increase for physical health in the form of step-up/down beds and now, we believe that care for mental health should be given the same level of attention.

“This is not just our view, but the view of many service users we’ve spoken with.”

The next consultation event is on August 5 from 8am to 3pm at Thirsk Market followed by August 7 at Glebe House Surgery, Bedale, from 9am to 12.30pm and an event at the Friarage Hospital Hub on August 10 from 9.30am to 3pm.

Further events are taking place through to September and a full list can be found at www.hambletonrichmondshireandwhitbyccg.nhs.uk