CONCERNS are growing over possible further cuts to services at a major hospital in the region.

Staff at the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton, Northallerton, were called in to meetings today, The Northern Echo understands.

Although hospital chiefs have yet to confirm what was discussed at the meeting, it is understood some critical care services and colo rectal surgery will be moved to the James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough and the Accident and Emergency unit downgraded to an 'urgent treatment centre plus'.

What the Northern Echo understands is that:

  • From March 27, all complex critical care services will be transferred to James Cook University Hospital.
  • A&E services will be downgraded to an 24/7 urgent treatment centre
  • Will be able to see patients with minor injuries and illnesses and minor wounds
  • Move blamed on shortage of specialist staff

South Tees Hospital Trust say a full statement will be issued later on Tuesday afternoon.

One employee told The Northern Echo: "It just seems as if it's death by a thousand cuts.

"The consultant led maternity unit went, mental health wards have gone and it's as if there is this ongoing reduction in services.

"The Friarage is a beloved hospital with a huge amount of support from the local people, but you feel there is this ongoing cutback."

Last February more than 1,500 people responded to a consultation exercise carried out by the Trust on building a sustainable future for the Friarage.

They said the hospital faced key challenges including recruitment difficulties and changes to medical training which were impacting on service areas such as critical care, overnight anaesthetic cover and accident and emergency.

A 12-week consultation exercise was due to be held in the summer but did not happen and staff said they knew nothing until this week when they were asked to go to a meeting this morning.

Last year, two mental health wards at the Friarage were closed as part of a major shake up by the Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust to provide more community based services.

In 2014, the maternity unit at the Friarage was downgraded to a midwife led unit despite a massive campaign by local people to preserve paediatric services.