Sir, – Many readers will have had a leaflet from South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust explaining the changes in children's services at the Friarage Hospital, Northallerton.
The strapline on the front page states "together we do the amazing". This is such an unfortunate juxtaposition with the closing paragraph on the back page, telling us that "if you child is unwell, do not bring them to accident and emergency at the Friarage Hospital".
Amazing? Possibly. But not in ways that might be anticipated.
Quite apart from the obvious implications for families with a sick child (particularly those living at a distance), this change must be so demoralising and concerning for the hospital staff involved, as, potentially, it prevents them from fully exercising their duty of care to children who present as ill.
Interestingly, the explanatory leaflet does not directly answer the question "What if I take them anyway? Will they be refused treatment?" It merely states that no children's doctors will be in the hospital at night. And that, in these circumstances, the A & E department at the Friarage is no longer the "right place" to bring sick children, as minor injuries only can be treated.
What a sad indictment on an excellent and well-respected service.
Shame on you South Tees NHS Foundation Trust.
SIOBÁN MOORE.
Knayton, Thirsk.
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