RESIDENTS have a fortnight to have their say on one of the biggest overhauls of the health service in Yorkshire area for decades.

The Government is keen to encourage health professionals to break through the "paper walls" which dictate procedures in hospitals, clinics, surgeries and chemists.

Closer ties with social services, the private sector and voluntary groups are seen as the way forward.

But new partnerships crossing geographical boundaries are also less than a year away with management at the James Cook University Hospital, at Middlesbrough - formerly the South Cleveland Hospital - poised to take over the running of acute services at The Friarage Hospital, Northallerton.

But Hambleton and Richmondshire Health Care Project is adamant "reorganisation" is not a euphemism for closure.

"All the partners are fully committed to the Friarage - indeed, management at South Cleveland have already indicated they are examining how to make more use of the facilities," said spokesman Ken Hodgson.

However, there is still anxiety in the ranks, with doctors and nurses worried their jobs are at risk or that they may be asked to take on additional work.

Project manager Tony Bruce emphasised yesterday that Westminster has already released additional cash for recruitment, and the key objective of Hambleton and Richmond Primary Care Trust - due to come on line in April 2002 - would be to make better use of available resources and not simply to cut costs.

A draft document, outlining the project's draft blueprint for the future, is now available in libraries, council offices and doctors surgeries around the district.

It is hoped the public will respond to the invitation to comment - either in writing, by telephone or via e-mail.

Feedback will influence the final draft, which will then be debated at a series of public meetings, with the first pencilled in for 2pm on Tuesday, July 3, at Aysgarth Falls Country Club in Wensleydale.

The Hambleton and Richmondshire Health Care Project can be contacted on (01748) 834908, or by visiting its website at www.hrhcp.nhs.uk