Reeth Medical Centre closure: branch surgery approved but access concerns remain
Update 6 May 2026:
Plans for a new branch surgery in Reeth have now been approved. This would provide some local access to care after the current practice closes, although services would be limited to certain days.
It has been confirmed that Reeth Medical Centre will close at the end of May 2026, after the current GP announced their retirement and no replacement provider was found.
The NHS says it explored options to try and find another provider, but no suitable alternative was identified at the time.
All 1,600 patients will be registered with other GP practices in the area, including Hawes, Aysgarth, Leyburn and Richmond.
The NHS has said it is writing to patients with information about what happens next and how to access services.
For many people, the news came as a shock and has raised questions about what happens next.
However, there has been a development.
Update: plans for a Reeth branch surgery
Since the closure was first announced, more detailed information has now been shared about future arrangements.
The NHS has now confirmed that plans for a branch surgery in Reeth have been approved.
NHS Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board, which funds and plans local care, approved the application from Central Dales Practice.
Patients will be registered with Central Dales Practice, with plans for a part time branch surgery in Reeth, subject to suitable premises being secured.
You can read the full NHS update here
The branch surgery is intended to help maintain some local access to care once the current practice closes.
Subject to suitable premises being secured, the Reeth branch surgery would:
- Open two days a week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays
- Offer face to face GP and nursing appointments from 9am to 6pm
- Be run by Central Dales Practice, supported by Richmondshire Primary Care Network
- Around 1,500 patients are expected to transfer to Central Dales Practice
The NHS says temporary arrangements may be put in place in Reeth while a longer term location is secured.
On days when the branch surgery is not open, people would still need to access services in Aysgarth or Hawes.
The NHS has also recognised that without local provision, people would face longer and more difficult journeys, particularly in winter.
The transfer would increase the size of Central Dales Practice from around 4,250 to 5,750 patients.
The concerns people are telling us about
Healthwatch is hearing how these changes could affect people’s ability to get the care they need. Some of these concerns may still apply under the proposed new arrangements.
These concerns are also reflected in a community survey carried out by the Healthcare Alliance for Reeth Community, which received responses from more than 75% of households in the area and included feedback representing more than 1,200 people.
Concerns raised include:
Travel and distance
Some people could still face longer journeys to see a GP, particularly on days when the Reeth branch surgery is not open. For those without access to a car, getting to appointments may still be difficult.
A community survey carried out by the Healthcare Alliance for Reeth Community found that around 22% of patients said travelling beyond Reeth for medical care would be very difficult or almost impossible.
Short notice and communication
People have told us the closure was announced on social media with very little notice, just before a bank holiday period. This left little opportunity to ask questions or seek advice.
Impact on older people and those without transport
Many patients are older, living with long term conditions, or need regular care. Travelling further for appointments may not be realistic for everyone.
The survey also found that 38% of people aged over 75 live alone, which can make travelling to appointments or collecting medication more difficult without local support nearby.
Access to medicines
The practice provides dispensing services, which are particularly important in rural areas. People are concerned about how they will get their medication if local arrangements change.
The NHS has also said it expects dispensing services to continue through Central Dales Practice, although people are still asking for clearer detail about how this will work in practice.
The same survey found that around 4 in 5 households currently collect their medication directly from the surgery, highlighting how important local dispensing services are for many people living in the area.
The wider role of the practice
The surgery supports urgent care, end of life care, and visitors to the area. People have highlighted how important it is to have these services locally.
What the NHS says
The NHS Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board, who plan and fund local healthcare, has published more detailed information about the closure, including answers to common questions.
Healthwatch response
Being registered with another GP practice is not the same as being able to access care easily.
In a rural area like Upper Swaledale and Arkengarthdale, distance, transport and the availability of local services all affect whether people can realistically get help when they need it.
The approval of a branch surgery in Reeth is a positive step, but people may still have questions about how the new arrangements will work in practice.
Mr Ashley Green, Chief Executive at Healthwatch North Yorkshire, said:
“On paper, being registered with another GP practice sounds straightforward. But for many people, it’s not that simple. If you’re older, living with a long term condition, or don’t drive, travelling further for appointments can quickly become a real barrier.
People have told us the announcement felt sudden, and that they have questions about what will happen next and what it means for them.
This isn’t just about where people are registered. It’s about whether they can realistically get to appointments, pick up medication, and get the help they need when they need it.”
Ongoing discussions
There is ongoing discussion about the future of services in Reeth.
A special meeting involving local councillors, NHS representatives and others is taking place, and the issue is also expected to be discussed at a future meeting of North Yorkshire Council’s Health Scrutiny Committee in May 2026.
A public meeting in Grinton has also been discussed, although this has not yet been formally confirmed.
Things are moving quickly, which is positive. However, people still need clear and consistent information about what these changes will mean in practice.
Healthwatch will continue to follow developments and share what we hear from people affected.
What needs to happen next
People are also asking for clearer information about things like home visits, urgent care, continuity of care, and how dispensing arrangements will work in practice.
Healthwatch and people locally have said it is important that:
- People are given clear, timely information about what will happen next
- The NHS looks at how people will actually get to appointments, not just where they are registered
- Practical support is in place for those who may struggle to travel
- The impact on getting medicines and local support is fully understood
- People are told clearly where the branch surgery will be based and when it will open
Healthwatch will continue to gather feedback and share what we hear with those responsible for NHS care.
