A COUNTY council has renewed its determination to fight for health services for residents in the Yorkshire Dales who could have to travel up to 60 miles for emergency care.

The NHS Better Health Programme review of 23 hour A&E, maternity and paediatric services at Darlington Memorial Hospital and North Tees Hospital in Stockton, which could see services at one or both be downgraded, is causing those living in the Dales great concern.

Councillor John Blackie told North Yorkshire County Council's Richmondshire area committee he had grave concerns at the potential loss of the services – but was encouraged by changes made to the consultation.

“The potential loss of 27 hour, seven days a week A&E and consultant-led maternity and paediatric services would hugely affect the safety of Richmondshire residents," he said.

“It is particularly pertinent we keep them now that the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton will be downgraded to an urgent critical care centre in March 2017; and on downgrading consultant-led maternity services we were promises that those services would always be available at Darlington Memorial Hospital.”

He said he was pleased that the University Hospital of North Durham had been removed from the consultation – so patients would not be expected to choose solely between James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough and the Durham hospital.

"It appears the inclusion of communities in North Yorkshire has perhaps led to the withdrawal of Durham Hospital, and this may help retain the critical care services at Darlington Memorial Hospital.

“It might also address my concerns that James Cook Hospital could be overwhelmed if all patients from North Yorkshire were transferred there.

“From Hawes the distance to James Cook hospital is 60 miles. In an emergency time saved equals lives saved.”

Council leader Carl Les said he had been in regular contact with Darlington Borough Council leader Bill Dixon and hoped to get full support of the campaign to save the services at the next full council meeting.

Edmund Lovell from the Better Health Programme said: “The Better Health programme is about how we can improve health services, particularly in an emergency, where the evidence shows that patients do better if they are seen in a specialist centre with highly experienced staff, available round the clock.”

The consultation will open in January.