Hospital shake-up in the spotlight

Members of South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust will be able to find out more about the changes to trauma and orthopaedic services in Hambleton and Richomondshire at a special event at Northallerton’s Friarage Hospital next month.

The hospital has become a centre for elective orthopaedic surgery as part of the shake-up of orthopeadic services, which began in January. It meant the Friarage Hospital became the centre for elective orthopaedic surgery, while major trauma was dealt with at The James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough.

Patients with injuries continue to be seen at the hospital’s accident and emergency department but anyone needing emergency surgery is transferred to James Cook.

Last month health chiefs were forced to defend the restructuring of stroke services in North Yorkshire amid growing concerns that life-saving treatment will come under severe strain. Stroke victims from Hambleton and Richmondshire will be taken to Middlesbrough instead of receiving treatment at the Friarage Hospital.