THE Health Secretary is considering advice on the future of children’s services at a North Yorkshire hospital.
The Independent Reconfiguration Panel has reported back to Jeremy Hunt after the minister asked for an initial review into proposals to downgrade the paediatric and maternity units at the Friarage Hospital, in Northallerton.
Mr Hunt asked the panel to give advice on whether the changes should be the subject of a full review.
The proposals would see an end to consultant-led children's services at the hospital, which serves a huge swathe of rural North Yorkshire.
A Department of Health spokesman said: "We recognise that this is a very important issue and a matter of real concern for those involved.
“The Health Secretary is considering the advice of the Independent Reconfiguration Panel and will make a decision in due course.”
The issue was referred to the Health Secretary by North Yorkshire County Council's scrutiny of health committee in December.
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