Campaigners get green light to challenge suspension of A&E services at Yorkshire hospital

A High Court judge has granted campaigners permission to challenge the suspension of accident and emergency services at a hospital in North Yorkshire.

At the end of March South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust temporarily suspended A&E services at the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton and replaced them with an urgent care treatment centre.

The trust blamed an inability to recruit key medical staff.

The permission hearing took place in Leeds last week (11 June). A judicial review hearing will take place in late July 2019.

Helen Smith, solicitor at Irwin Mitchell, said: “Our clients have long-held concerns regarding the suspension of A&E services at The Friarage and we strongly believe that the process used to come to such conclusions should be reviewed.

“There are a host of extremely worrying factors regarding this move, particularly in how it may have a major impact across the region as a whole. While we appreciate the NHS is facing difficult challenges at present, it is vital that any decisions are always made with the best interests of patients in mind and there is appropriate consultation with the public and other stakeholders.”

Smith added: “Our clients do not want be in this position but feel that they have little option because of how they feel the Trust and CCG have made these changes to hospital services without appreciating the full impact.

“It is welcome that the judicial review will proceed and we are determined to work with our clients to ensure that their voices are heard on this very serious matter.”