Call to keep hospital's services (From The Northern Echo)

Call to keep hospital's services

2:54pm Wednesday 22nd February 2012 in Northallerton News

COUNCILLORS have unanimously backed a motion calling for maternity services to be retained at a hospital in the region.

The future of maternity and paediatric services at the Friarage Hospital, in Northallerton, North Yorkshire, has been in the spotlight in recent weeks.

Yesterday, members of Hambleton District Council were urged to engage with those they represent as the debate continues.

Councillors unanimously backed the motion, which read: “This council firmly believes that residents of Hambleton are entitled to receive medical care of the highest quality, at a centre of excellence as close to their home as possible.

“The rural nature of Hambleton requires consultant-led maternity services to remain at the Friarage, as part of a local hospital with a long-term future.”

Councillor David Blades, who represents the Northallerton Broomfield ward, said proposed large-scale housing developments in Northallerton and Thirsk, over the next 15 to 20 years, would justify keeping maternity services at the Friarage.

He said a number of hospital staff had come to him with concerns over their future.

A planned protest against the proposed downgrade will take place in Northallerton on Saturday, May 5.