CONCERNS have been raised over proposals that could see the closure of mental health wards at Northallerton’s Friarage Hospital.

The Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) for Hambleton, Richmondshire and Whitby has produced a pre-consultation report that suggests three options for the future of mental health services in the area.

Only one of those options retains the two mental health wards at the Friarage.

The option recommended for approval would see inpatient care provided in the nearest neighbouring assessment and treatment mental health bed - at either West Park Hospital, Darlington, Roseberry Park Hospital, Middlesbrough or Bishop Auckland General Hospital depending on where the patient lived.

One Richmondshire resident, who wished not to be named, said that he has written to his MP Rishi Sunak over previous consultations that saw the removal of services from the Friarage and believes it is “quite obvious” that this latest consultation will lead to ward closures.

He said: “I was pretty sure back then that consultations were over the closure of beds and so it has proved to be.”

Another Northern Echo reader warned that the latest review into mental health services is “closure by stealth” by the CCG.

He added: “The alternatives they are giving in the consultation is either ‘do you want better community care and support’ and of course everybody wants that.

“Then they say that the only way to get that is to close down the beds in Northallerton.

“We are being given a choice that is hardly a choice.”

Janet Probert, Chief Officer of the CCG said they have engaged with a wide range of organisations in developing the options and that the majority of people want to be cared for at home or as close to home as possible.

She pointed out that the Care Quality Commission (CQC) have severely criticised the standard of accommodation on the two inpatient wards at The Friarage Hospital in Northallerton. 

Ms Probert added: “As a result of the feedback gathered, alongside clinical evidence and best practice, both the CCG and TEWV (Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust) have developed two options for enhancing our community and crisis services to support more people in or near their own homes within the finances available, whilst making sure that appropriate inpatient care is available for those who need it. 

"We have also included a ‘do nothing’ option, which would mean things would stay as they are now, with all the challenges we currently face.

“We fully understand the current anxiety around this consultation and want to reassure the public that we have worked very closely with patient groups to develop these proposals.

“Our ambition is to support people to live fulfilling and meaningful lives in their own communities, irrespective of symptoms or diagnosis of mental illness.

"Mental health services are changing and it’s now possible for more people to receive the care and support they need at or closer to home.

The report, titled Transforming Mental Health Services in Hambleton and Richmondshire, will go before North Yorkshire County Council’s health scrutiny committee on Friday.

If approved, the consultation period will open the following Monday and run for 12 weeks until September 15, with consultation events running across the region.