A DOCTORS’ group behind controversial plans to close community hospital services in two towns has clarified its proposals ahead of seven public meetings.

NHS Hambleton, Richmondshire and Whitby Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), which has been criticised by leading North Yorkshire councillors over the clarity of its proposals in its Transforming Our Communities consultation, issued a statement suggesting people had misunderstood what it aimed to do at the The Friarage Hospital, Northallerton.

The CCG said while its preferred option was the permanent closure of the Lambert Memorial Hospital, in Thirsk, it was proposing a partial, rather than complete, closure of the Rutson ward, at the Northallerton infirmary.

While the CCG’s proposal to close the Lambert Hospital received a frosty reception at a public meeting in Thirsk in March, its statement claimed the plan had been “based on the feedback we received from meetings with our public and stakeholders”.

The proposals, to replace the community hospital beds with ones in extra supported housing schemes or residential homes, have generated further attention due to mounting concerns over the future of services at Darlington Memorial Hospital.

Aldbrough St John GP and CCG governing body member Dr Mark Hodgson said: “The CCG has been reviewing much of the recent media coverage and public anxiety around the consultation and we can absolutely confirm that there are no plans to close the Rutson ward in The Friarage Hospital, Northallerton or close the hospital, itself.

“One of the public consultation options does require the decommissioning of the community rehabilitation beds in the Rutson ward, but not the closure of the entire ward.”

The CCG said the Rutson ward included nine community rehabilitation beds and ten stroke beds, with an interim six additional beds, due to the temporary closure of the Lambert Hospital. It has confirmed the partial Rutson ward closure would result in the axing of 15 beds there.

The doctors’ group added while the Rutson ward was technically a community hospital, it did not believe the ward worked effectively in that role, due to difficulties in patients accessing the beds and long lengths of stay.

Councillor Gareth Dadd, North Yorkshire County Council’s deputy leader, said he remained dissatisfied by the details provided by the CCG and called for a Thirsk hospice feasibility study to be carried out.

He said: “The information being provided is scant. The CCG must provide greater clarity as to how they hope to provide care and in what environment.”

For details about consultation events, visit hambletonrichmondshireandwhitbyccg.nhs.uk