MEDIA RELEASE
2 September 2013
Public asked for views on plans for children’s and maternity services at Friarage Hospital
A major public consultation is being launched today (Monday 2 September 2013) to find out what people living in Hambleton and Richmondshire think about proposals to change the way some maternity and children’s services are provided at the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton.
Changes need to be made as the organisation responsible for funding these services, NHS Hambleton, Richmondshire and Whitby Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust which runs the hospital, have concerns about the future safety of these services.
They are worried that doctors at the Friarage will not be able to retain their clinical skills and develop new ones because there are not enough mums to be and children using the services.
For the next three months the CCG is asking for views on the following two options:
Option 1
· Develop a Paediatric Short Stay Assessment Unit (PSSAU) at the Friarage Hospital.
· Continue to deliver community paediatric nursing and consultant paediatric outpatient service at the Friarage Hospital. More specialist inpatient paediatric services will be available at the James Cook University Hospital, Darlington Memorial Hospital, Harrogate District Hospital and York Hospital.
· Invest in a midwifery-led maternity unit (MLU) for women with low-risk births at the Friarage Hospital and continue to provide community midwifery and outpatient services locally.
Option 2
· Continue to deliver community paediatric nursing and consultant paediatric outpatient service at the Friarage Hospital. More specialist inpatient paediatric services will be available at the James Cook University Hospital, Darlington Memorial Hospital, Harrogate District Hospital and York Hospital.
· Invest in a midwifery-led maternity unit (MLU) for women with low-risk births at the Friarage Hospital and continue to provide community midwifery and outpatient services locally.
The changes will improve quality of services for patients and families and most importantly ensure that they are safe.
A consultation document sets out the proposals, the reasons for the changes and explains how local people’s involvement will help to shape more detailed plans. Copies are being made available at family doctors’ surgeries, children’s centres and other community venues.
The consultation document, along with further background information and a survey to capture people’s views on the options, can be found on the CCG’s website at www.hambletonrichmondshireandwhitbyccg.nhs.uk
The consultation will end on Monday 25 November 2013.
Dr Vicky Pleydell, Chief Clinical Officer for Hambleton, Richmondshire and Whitby CCG, said: “There are some important decisions that need to be made about the future of children’s and maternity services at the Friarage to make sure they are safe.
“Over the last year we’ve been working hard to find the best possible solutions which offer the highest quality of care, as well as taking into account the needs of local people now and in the future.
“Before we go any further, we’re giving local people, staff and patients the chance to give us their comments. Over the next three months we’ll be hoping to meet and hear from as many people as possible. At the end of the three months we’ll review all of the comments we’ve received before making our decisions.”
Jill Moulton, Director of Planning at South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “The Friarage is a much loved and valued hospital. I know how disappointing it is to the local population that children’s and maternity services have to change.
“However all of the concerns raised by our clinical staff and shared during the engagement process around the safety, sustainability and long-term future of children’s and maternity services still stand.”
Nine public meetings have been organised so people can come along and find out more about the proposals and ask questions. They take place during September and October (see below).
Regular updates on the progress of the consultation will also be available via Twitter @HRW_CCG and on the CCG’s website. People can send their comments to the CCG via email to , using the online questionnaire, by attending one of the public meetings and by freepost at:
Freepost Plus RTER-KESE-BGCH
NHS Hambleton, Richmondshire and Whitby CCG
Civic Centre, Stone Cross
Northallerton DL6 2UU
Anyone needing further information can call the CCG’s Patient Relations team on 0800 068 8000.
Public Meetings
Town / Time / Date / VenueThirsk / 7pm-8.30pm / Wednesday 18th September / Thirsk Race Course, Station Road, Thirsk YO7 1QL
Richmond / 7pm-8.30pm / Wednesday 25th September / Richmond School, Darlington Road, Richmond DL10 7BQ
Northallerton / 10.30am-12pm / Saturday 28th September / Main Hall, Hambleton Forum, Bullamoor Road, Northallerton DL6 1LP
Catterick Garrison / 7pm-8.30pm / Tuesday 1st October / Catterick Leisure Centre, Gough Road, Catterick Garrison DL9 3EL
Masham / 7pm-8.30pm / Thursday 3rd October / Masham Methodist Chruch, 34 Park Street, Masham, Ripon, HG4 4HN
Leyburn / 7pm-8.30pm / Tuesday 8th October / Conference room/ Restaurant, Tennants Auction House, Harmby Road, Leyburn
DL8 5SG
Bedale / 7pm-8.30pm / Monday 14th October / Bedale Hall, North End, Bedale DL8 1AA
Hawes / 7pm-8.30pm / Thursday 17th October / Hawes Community Primary School, Town Head,Hawes DL8 3RQ
Stokesley / 7pm-8.30pm / Monday 21st October / Town Hall, Main Hall Stokesley TS9 5DG
ENDS
For further information contact the NHS North Yorkshire and Humber Communications Team on 0300 303 8394