THE battle to save a tiny community hospital has intensified after health bosses announced they are going out to public consultation over its future.

Campaigners fear it will be a consultation over a permanent closure of the 14 bed Lambert Memorial Hospital in Thirsk, which was “temporarily” shut in September last year because of a staffing crisis.

Thirsk and Malton MP Kevin Hollinrake has called on local people to attend the first public meeting in the consultation process on Tuesday, March 22 to have their say.

He said: “We need to see what solutions there are for keeping this open, we need to ensure appropriate facilities are there for people in their hour of need, which is part of what the Lambert Hospital has offered, and we won’t take no for an answer.

“I have great concerns about this and I would urge local people to attend this meeting. This is bad news for everybody including myself, who wants to see it reopened, we always feared it may lead to a back door closure.”

Hambleton, Richmondshire and Whitby Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) confirmed last night it is working with South Tees Hospital Trust to hold a public consultation on the future of the hospital.

Janet Probert, chief officer of the CCG, said the aim was to make sure the public are formally consulted before any decisions are made.

She added: “South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is therefore holding an initial public meeting on Tuesday, March 22 to discuss the future of the ward at the Lambert Hospital.

"The CCG will also be sharing updates on the longer-term strategy for community services locally, which will involve public engagement over the next four months.”

Former Thirsk MP now Baroness Anne McIntosh said the Lambert must not be allowed to close. The hospital, which has been looking after patients in the Thirsk area since 1890, provided general rehabilitation, diagnostics and assessment of patients’ present and future care needs, as well as pain control and palliative care.

Baroness McIntosh said: “I don't really understand where this shortage of nurses came from. They are sought after positions and always seemed to be occupied by locally based nursing staff before.

“The question has to be asked to what extent the CCG locally values the role of community hospitals? They seem to view them as expensive buildings rather than value the services they provide. The Lambert Hospital plays a crucial role in rehabilitating patients and allowing them to return home, as well as palliative care."

The meeting is being held at Thirsk School and Sixth Form College, Topcliffe Road, Sowerby, Thirsk at 6pm on Tuesday, March 22.