A SENIOR councillor has described the suspension of children’s services at a hospital in the region, including the temporary closure of a unit for premature babies, as a crisis.

Gareth Dadd, the chairman of North Yorkshire County Council’s health scrutiny committee, has pledged to monitor the decision to suspend services at the Friarage Hospital, Northallerton.

The Northern Echo reported yesterday how South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust blamed the temporary cuts on staffing pressures.

The hospital’s special care baby unit is one of a number of services to be suspended from July 17.

Patients will instead transfer to The James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough – more than 22 miles away.

The transfer, which also includes maternity care for women judged to be at high risk, is due to last until the autumn.

It is described by the trust as a temporary measure, a result of staffing shortages caused by sick leave and retirement.

Councillor Dadd, said: “This problem has been brought about by factors outside the control of the trust.”

During the temporary closure, Friarage staff will work from Middlesbrough.

Coun Dadd said he had been assured the move would not lead to a permanent decline in Friarage services.