A campaign to safeguard the future of a Hambleton based hospital has won the backing of the District Council.
The 126 year old Lambert Memorial Hospital in Thirsk was temporarily closed by South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in September last year because of a staffing crisis. Since then local people have been battling to save the 14 bed facility that included palliative care provision.
Earlier this month (July) a group of doctors put forward proposals to provide care in the community in a different way by putting extra care beds in areas across the district – leading to the permanent closure of the Lambert along with the decommissioning of the community rehabilitation beds in the Rutson Ward at the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton.
This week (July 19) members of Full Council added their weight to consultation on the proposals.
They are urging local people to take part in the consultation being undertaken by NHS Hambleton, Richmondshire and Whitby Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and South Tees Hospital Trust.
“We need to safeguard the future of the care provided at the Lambert and on the Rutson Ward,” said Council Leader, Councillor Mark Robson.
“The palliative care in Thirsk was second to none and must not be lost for the people of Thirsk and the surrounding hinterland. We urge people to have their say and hope that leads to a satisfactory resolution being found.”
The consultation runs until the start of October – more information is available on hambletonrichmondshireandwhitbyccg.nhs.uk