Meeting to discuss hospital proposals (From Darlington and Stockton Times)

Meeting to discuss Northallerton hospital proposals

8:00am Monday 27th August 2012 in News By Janet Gleeson

FINAL recommendations for children’s and maternity services at a North Yorkshire hospital will be discussed at a public meeting on September 17.

Campaigners have been involved in a battle to stop services being downgraded at the Friarage Hospital, in Northallerton , during an informal consultation over the past few months across Hambleton, Richmondshire and parts of the North York Moors.

Residents fear there could be a big reduction in services, leaving some patients with long distances to hospital.

Councillor John Blackie, who has been involved in the campaign, said: “We will now find out whether they have been listening to the overwhelming objections of local people, local organisations and local councils.

“This is a major milestone and if they have not been listening we will have to carry on the campaign.

“Other units around the country have carried on in similar circumstances. Where there is a will, there is a way.”

The NHS Hambleton, Richmondshire and Whitby Clinical Commissioning Group has been carrying out the review, looking at downgrading consultant- led children and maternity services currently available at the Friarage and extending patient care at The James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough.

A midwife-led maternity unit and children’s day unit would be maintained at the Friarage.

Thousands of people have signed petitions opposing the idea and a mass rally took place in Northallerton to support the hospital.

Members of the public will have a chance to see what is being proposed before the meeting, with information released at 5pm on September 11, on the health service’s website, hambletonrichmondshire andwhitbyccg.nhs.uk On September 17, the meeting, which is open to the public, will be held at Hambleton Forum, in Northallerton, from 10am to noon.

There will be a 20-minute question-and-answer session first, but questions need to be submitted beforehand to nyypct.

hrwccgenquiries@nhs.net After the meeting, the recommendations will be taken to the board of NHS North Yorkshire and York for approval on September 25.

If major changes are approved, a formal public consultation period will begin.