PATIENTS who suffer from blackouts can often find themselves facing numerous medical appointments and tests to find the exact cause of the problem.

But those attending the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton are set to be diagnosed faster in the future - thanks to the introduction of a blackout service which will see them assessed by a range of specialists in one place.

The new clinic, which is based in the cardiology department, has been supported by a £35,000 donation from the Friends of the Friarage and will start taking referrals from July 27.

Blackouts cause three p[er cent of emergency department attendances and one per cent of all admissions to hospital and can affect people of all ages.

There are many causes which can result in patients having appointments with a number of specialists, having a prolonged stay in hospital, or leaving without a clear diagnosis.

But the blackout service will provide fast access to experts from a range of specialist teams. The benefits should include:

• Providing faster assessment and diagnosis

• Reducing the number of unnecessary tests performed

• Reducing misdiagnosis

• Reducing the number of low-risk patients admitted to hospital

• Reducing the length of time they have to stay in hospital

• Providing appropriate onward specialist referral through a dedicated service

The service will run in a similar way to blackout clinics at the James Cook Hospital in Middlesbrough.