Legal bid to prevent hospital changes is called off

Councillors in Richmondshire had been exploring a judicial review of a decision by health chiefs to axe inpatient paediatric care at the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton and end consultant-led maternity services.

The move will leave mothers-to-be with higher risk births journeying to Darlington, Middlesbrough, Harrogate or York depending on where they live.

It had sought advice from leading counsel but was warned the chances of success were not favourable and the costs of an unsuccessful court action were likely to be very high, estimated at a six figure sum.

A spokeswoman for the authority said while councillors recognised the huge importance to the local communities they felt it was too much of a risk to continue the challenge. However members have agreed to continue its fight to maintain a range of key healthcare services for those living in rural communities in Richmondshire.

Members have agreed to support the midwife-led maternity services proposed for the Friarage for low risk mothers-to-be and agreed it will also promote the 24/7 consultant-led maternity and children’s services at the Darlington Memorial Hospital (DMH).

Coun John Blackie, leader of Richmondshire District Council said: “Our twin track approach means low risk mothers-to-be can be cared for by the fine team of midwives at the Friarage, while those who need or worry that they might need consultants on hand can be looked after at the DMH.

“The thought of 60 mile journeys from the Dales in hostile weather to give birth in Middlesbrough simply does not bear thinking about but without these two facilities continuing it will become a reality.”

At a meeting of the authority councillors agreed to set up a new alliance with counterparts in Darlington to scrutinise services at the town’s memorial hospital. For many people in Richmondshire needing maternity or paediatric care, this will become the hospital of choice as it lies half a mile further away than the Friarage. Councillors also voted to continue work examining access to key medical care for people living in isolated rural areas.

NHS chiefs have said they are worried doctors at the hospital will not be able to maintain and develop clinical skills because there are not enough mothers-to-be and children using the services.

Vicky Pleydell, chief clinical officer at Hambleton, Richmondshire and Whitby Clinical Commissioning Group, earlier said the proposals had the backing of doctors and midwives.

“This change is supported by all of the local doctors and midwives and we know this will provide safer, better services for local mothers and children which will last into the future,” she said.