HEALTH chiefs working on a way forward for Northallerton’s Friarage Hospital have revealed they’re planning to produce a business case on options for the future by the autumn.

Watchdogs say the most important thing is that the proposals are realistic and a meaningful public consultation is held.

The hospital has been beset by staffing problems with threats to A&E, and critical care for the past few years. Maternity services have been downgraded, and changes in mental health services are underway. An extensive exercise was carried out at the end of last year to get the views of hospital staff as well as patients and residents.

South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which runs the Friarage, has to put planned changes to fellow health groups before any proposals can go out to public consultation.

In a letter to consultees Adrian Clements, medical director for the Friarage said they plan to present the draft business case in the autumn. He said: “Hospital staff and service leadership teams continue to work to identify possible future scenarios for service delivery at the Friarage, looking for solutions that make the best possible offer to our population and stakeholders, while effectively addressing the workforce issues. While this process is ongoing, the Trust remains fully committed to maintaining services as they are now at the Friarage, including its 24/7 A&E department and critical care unit, managing the workforce risks to ensure that our patients are safe. In addition, service developments at the Friarage continue, including the planned opening of the Sir Robert Ogden Macmillan Centre in October, providing a wide range of services for patients with cancer, and innovation in thoracic surgery to provide more patients with their diagnosis and treatment closer to home.”

North Yorkshire councillor Jim Clark, chairman of the scrutiny of health committee, which acts as a watchdog for services, said: “It is important we get realistic proposals and there is proper, meaningful consultation.”