SUPERFAST broadband is set to transform life for doctors, patients and community teams at a remote surgery in North Yorkshire.

Aysgarth Surgery in the Upper Dales has been connected to the NHS's state-of-the-art N3 network.

It will provide healthcare professionals with quick, easy access to information ensuring that patients get the best possible care.

The connection was made under North Yorkshire County Council's Superfast North Yorkshire (SFNY) programme.

A broadband cabinet was installed close to the surgery on behalf of the county council and this has now been connected.

Prior to the installation of superfast broadband, the surgery suffered from being unable to access some patient services such as e-referrals and difficulties with wi-fi and emails.

Central Dales practice manager Lynn Irwin said: ''The N3 upgrade at Aysgarth Surgery has finally been completed.

"A great big thank you to all that helped to get this through. I'm overwhelmed by the support we have received.''

Clare Wood, the council's executive member for health and adult services, said: ''Access to the latest technology can bring tremendous benefits to communities in rural areas.

''I am delighted that after delays to the funding of the connection from the broadband cabinet to the surgery it has finally been resolved and everyone now can reap the benefits.''

Councillor John Blackie, who represents the Upper Dales, said it was good to see that the county council was mindful of rural needs in its quest to roll out SFNY broadband.

''By choosing Aysgarth for superfast broadband they saw the huge importance of maintaining sustainable communities by broadband underpinning the social infrastructure, like the all-important GP surgery, which they need to thrive in the future.''

The council has announced a further funding of £21 million for phase 3 of the Superfast North Yorkshire programme, which will see broadband made available to 96 per cent of properties across the county.

North Yorkshire's executive member for Broadband, Councillor Don Mackenzie, said the county council was committed to providing a service to areas where it was not commercially viable,

He said: "High-quality broadband is one of the NYCC's top priorities to make our county an even better place to live and work.

"It is a vital utility for the home, for business, for education and study, and especially for providers of health and telecare services."