HEALTH bosses say their operational plans are now being put in place for changes to services at the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton.

South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust announced earlier this year that significant gaps in the anaesthetic workforce affecting critical care services will see the Friarage’s accident and emergency service temporarily changing to a 24/7 urgent treatment centre.

Up to eight patients a day are expected to receive medical care elsewhere as the Friarage's remit changes from March 27.

Operational plans to support the temporary downgrading will see three patients affected during hours and five patients out of hours – all instead being cared for at the James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough or the Darlington Memorial Hospital.

Where appropriate, patients will return to the Friarage once their condition has improved for the remainder of their hospital stay, the Trust has stated.

Bosses say planned day surgery and outpatient clinics will continue, and, in some specialties, increase.

However the proposals have sparked local opposition, with thousands signing a petition, and a public meeting being held in Northallerton on Friday.

Adrian Clements, medical director for the Friarage Hospital, said: “We now have robust operational plans in place for this urgent temporary change and we are very confident that the James Cook University Hospital is able to manage this additional patient demand and have had similar assurances from Darlington Memorial Hospital and from the ambulance service.

“As the majority of patients will continue to receive their care at the Friarage, we are ensuring the changes bring as little disruption for them as possible.

“For those patients who attend the clinical decision unit, they will be assessed and triaged by a consultant, supported by diagnostic services and cared for at the Friarage, with only patients needing specialist and critical care being diverted to other hospitals.

“We have briefed the Scrutiny of Health committee for North Yorkshire on these changes and our plans for implementation.

“We were able to reassure them on our plans to increase day case surgery, explain that all minor illnesses and injuries that will be treated at the Friarage 24 hours a day.

“We explained the anticipated number of patients affected and the consensus we have from clinicians on this being the model that can provide us with a sustainable model for the future of the Friarage.

“We will be reporting back to the committee on the changes and keeping them fully informed on our plans.

“Our key focus for the next two weeks will be the continued safety of our patients and provision of support to our staff, whilst ensuring these operational changes are delivered effectively.”

As an Urgent Treatment Centre, the Friarage will be equipped to treat adults and children for illnesses and injuries, including: strains and sprains; suspected broken limbs; minor head injuries; minor scalds and burns; infections; eye problems; fevers and vomiting and diarrhoea.

Richmond MP Rishi Sunak stated the changes being made at the Friarage are “extremely disappointing” and added that he is in discussion with the Yorkshire Ambulance Service over the safe transport of patients, especially from the remote parts of the area, including the Dales.

The Trust is expected to deliver a full public consultation in the near future.