THE temporary closure of a hospital has prompted four councils to take the highly unusual step of joining forces to create an action group.

Councillors from Sowerby Parish Council, Thirsk Town Council, Hambleton District Council and North Yorkshire County Council have joined forces to create an action group following the sudden closure of the Lambert Memorial Hospital in Thirsk.

It is the first time councillors have joined forces in this way over a single issue.

The 14-bed hospital provides mainly end-of-life care for patients, as well as general rehabilitation, diagnostics and drugs administration, but has been temporarily closed due to a shortage of suitably qualified nursing staff.

South Tees NHS Hospital Trust has run the hospital since 2011, but on September 4 this year the trust announced at a county council scrutiny of health meeting it would be closed temporarily with immediate effect. The following working day removal lorries were loaded up with beds and other equipment. Councillors expressed concern at the time that the hospital was being stripped 24 working hours after the decision was announced.

But South Tees Hospital Trust said the removals van was starting the process of moving patients to the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton and was taking only the patients’ beds, chairs, lockers and some equipment.

A review of the future of the hospital is promised in January 2016.

South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has said it is looking to review the situation in January, as this will be the date when the next set of medical students will complete university courses, ready for a professional career.

Co-ordinator of the action group, district councillor and former Mayor of Thirsk, Janet Watson said: “It is a measure of how seriously local councillors take this action by the South Tees Trust that they have come together in this way.

“Councillors have met unanimous concern and anger from residents in and around Thirsk at the loss of this very loved hospital, which has been in existence for 125 years.

“Closing the hospital for the winter months is quite the worst time of year. We are determined to see it re-open as soon as possible.

“After that we shall monitor future developments.”

The action group will make a presentation at the next meeting of the scrutiny of health committee on November 6 at County Hall in Northallerton when representatives of the South Tees trust are also expected to attend.

The meeting is open to the public.