MATERNITY and children’s services that were controversially suspended three months ago have been re-opened at a North Yorkshire hospital.

Full service was resumed at the Friarage Hospital, in Northallerton, at 9am yesterday, when paediatric, maternity and special-care baby services were opened for the first time since July 17.

At the time, health bosses said the closures were due to unprecedented staff shortages, leading to services being switched to The James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough, more than 20 miles away.

The South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has now appointed two paediatric consultants and additional locum cover.

The suspensions caused widespread concern when they were announced, with many expectant mothers saying they had not been fully informed about the changes.

Fran Toller, divisional manager of women’s and children’s services, said the trust had worked hard to ensure that all patients know the suspension has come to an end.

“We wrote to all pregnant ladies on our books, and all long-term patients, to inform them of the re-opening. We have also informed GPs and involved the media,” she said.” I don’t think there was too much confusion during the closures, but if people don’t read what we send them, and haven’t seen the information in the news, then it is hard for us to make them understand.

“Some people were disappointed they couldn’t give birth, or be treated, nearer to home, but patient safety was more important.”

The re-opening of services has been welcomed by Councillor John Blackie, vice-chairman of the scrutiny of health committee for North Yorkshire County Council, who said the cancellation of services should never have happened in the first place.

“It is a huge sigh of relief that the first-class services offered at the Friarage are back in place,” he said.

“For people in the Dales it is a 57-mile journey to James Cook, which is a long way if you are in labour.

“This should never have been allowed to happen. It should have been managed much better and now public confidence is down.

“I hope that the trust understands that this needs to be rebuilt.”