FURTHER services are being developed at the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton where residents have been campaigning to maintain departments and ensure the future of the hospital.

The South Tees NHS Trust which runs the hospital said a new kidney dialysis unit is being planned for the hospital.

They say Initially the aim is to establish an eight station dialysis unit which will treat up to 24 patients but there are hopes that the service will be expanded in the future with more stations added.

For patients this will mean that those from the Northallerton area will be able to have dialysis at the Friarage rather than travel to The James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough, 17 miles away.

The Friends of the Friarage, the volunteer group which supports the hospital say they intend to donate £300,000 for the unit’s development work and purchase of equipment, and they are now looking at how the money needed can be raised.

Dr David Reaich, consultant nephrologist, said the unit will improve patient experience for those needing dialysis.

He added: "We are thrilled to be opening a renal dialysis unit at the Friarage.

"This development is great news for patients in the area as it will mean that they will be able to receive their dialysis a lot closer to home.

"Patients need to attend dialysis three times per week so this could make a huge difference to their quality of life by reducing travel time.

"We are extremely grateful for the support that the Friends of the Friarage and the community continue to show for our clinically led plans to grow the range of services available at the Friarage Hospital."

Donna Jermyn, Friends of the Friarage chairman, added: "It is really exciting that another new service is coming to the Friarage. The new unit will make such a difference to patients in this area who require dialysis. We are extremely grateful for the generosity of the public who continue to support us.

"Once again, we would really like the local community to get behind us and help in fundraising for the dialysis unit and future projects which will be announced in the coming months."

The centre comes after a new eye department was opened at the Friarage earlier this year, but follows cutbacks in maternity and accident and emergency.