Closure of hospital unit is criticised (From York Press)

Closure of hospital unit is criticised

9:24am Thursday 26th January 2012 in Health & Wellbeing

PLANS to close a paediatric unit at a North Yorkshire hospital have been criticised by a council leader who said they had “torpedoed the work of a lifetime”.

The National Clinical Advisory Team has said the unit, at the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton, should be moved to the James Cook Hospital in Middlesbrough because it is not sustainable.

A three-month public consultation on any service changes will begin in March.

Richmondshire District Council leader John Blackie said campaigners would “fight tooth and nail” to retain the service, saying the team’s report had “undermined the peace of mind” of residents.