NHS bosses have announced a review which will determine the future of a hospital shuttle bus which campaigners say is vital for patients.

Hambleton, Richmondshire and Whitby Clinical Commissioning Group is to undergo a period of public engagement from Tuesday, May 3 with users of the bus which takes patients and families between Northallerton’s Friarage Hospital and James Cook University Hospital.

It was introduced when services, including children’s services, previously carried out at the Friarage were moved to the Middlesbrough hospital.

Janet Probert, chief officer of the CCG said: “We have to save £7.7m in 2016 and 2017 in order to deliver a balanced financial position.

“We therefore have to make some really difficult decisions as to where best to spend your money this year.

“The current contract for the shuttle bus is valued at approximately £90,000 per year. To put this amount into context the £90,000 equates to the following when compared to some other areas of NHS expenditure: 15 hip replacements; 15 knee replacements; or 90 cataract operations.

“In order to gather the views of all passengers of the service, the CCG is carrying out a period of public engagement.”

The period of public engagement is taking place between Tuesday, May 3 and Tuesday, May 17.

There will also be an online questionnaire at www.hambletonrichmondshireandwhitbyccg.nhs.uk.

Richmond MP Rishi Sunak has been campaigning for the bus to continue, and a petition has been launched.