Health Secretary challenged on NHS plans for two wards

Members of North Yorkshire County Council's scrutiny of health committee have written in protest to Mr Lansley claiming there has been a lack of consultation about major changes to facilities in Malton and Whitby.

Senior NHS officials announced plans earlier this month to axe beds at both Malton and Whitby community hospitals and transfer staff into the community.

Councillors on the scrutiny of health committee have now asked the chairman, Coun Jim Clark, to lodge a formal complaint with Mr Lansley about a decision to close Ryedale Ward at Malton Hospital.

The committee also fears a similar closure may hit the Abbey Ward at Whitby Hospital.

The move follows the introduction by NHS North Yorkshire and York of pilot schemes to test the viability of "enhanced community services", in which more patients would be treated at home.

But Coun Clark said: "These pilots have been carried out without any proper consultation with patient groups, GPs, or staff – all the people most closely affected by the closures."

He added: "In fact the PCT will be closing Ryedale Ward next week, and shortly after Abbey Ward at Whitby may close. In the light of this, the committee unanimously voted that I should write to the Secretary of State expressing the concerns of people in North Yorkshire about the future of these hospitals."

The committee also agreed on hospital visits to carry out its own consultations.

The Department of Health maintained, however, that local communities would be involved in shaping future NHS policies.

A spokeswoman said: "The Government is committed to devolving power to local communities where the people, patients, GPs and councils are best placed to determine improvements in their local NHS.

"Any changes to services must have support from GP commissioners, patients and the public, be based on sound clinical evidence and support patient choice. This will ensure that patients get the best care possible, delivered to the highest standards in the most effective, efficient and personalised way."