FOREIGN secretary William Hague has called on hospital bosses to “set out a positive vision” for its future amid fears of service cuts.

The Richmond MP yesterday visited the Friarage Hospital, in Northallerton, North Yorkshire, where maternity and children’s services face an uncertain future.

Mr Hague met families that use the hospital and discussed paediatric and maternity provision with nurses and consulting staff.

Later, at his surgery, he met local people campaigning to save these facilities.

He said: "I am very concerned by the distance some patients would have to travel if a consultant-led maternity unit was no longer available at the Friarage.

“I have already had three discussions with the health secretary [Andrew Lansley] about this issue, and am encouraging him to visit the hospital.

“Today I wanted to hear from the medical staff themselves what they think should happen, which has been extremely useful.

“I will continue to encourage South Tees Hospital Trust to set out its positive vision for the future of the Friarage and to work up alternative proposals to those floated so far, aimed at maintaining a service widely regarded as essential to the people of North Yorkshire.”

Plans for major changes at the 200-bed Friarage were unveiled in January, after a report by the National Clinical Advisory Team suggested services could be downgraded.

The proposals sparked a huge public outcry, with thousands joining a Facebook group and signing an online petition opposing the plans.

A protest rally is due to be held in Northallerton, on Saturday, May 5.