Artery surgery centres come under the knife

The move follows concerns about the quality of some vascular surgery nationally and is part of a drive to improve survival rates.

About 1,500 patients a year will have to travel to a different hospital to receive hi-tech planned or emergency vascular surgery for conditions that affect the large arteries outside the chest – including those that supply blood to the brain, arms and legs.

Round-the-clock complex and emergency care will be restricted to centres in Hull, York, Leeds, Sheffield, Bradford, Doncaster and Huddersfield with such surgery stopping in Scarborough, Wakefield, Grimsby and Scunthorpe.

Health chiefs yesterday began a 14-week consultation on the plans. They say the measure is based on international evidence and would "ensure everyone in the region receives the very best care available".