NORTH Yorkshire MP John Greenway has criticised threats to reduce the maternity service at two community hospitals.
Scarborough NHS Trust is investigating the future of units at Whitby and Malton hospitals, after being told by the Audit Commission that its costs are too high.
The Ryedale MP said that among options to be put to the public next month as part of consultation, must be retention of the service in full.
He said: "It is nonsense to consider centralising services at Scarborough General when the Government's policy is to localise services at such hospitals as Whitby and Malton.
"The idea of the maternity unit only being available from 8am to 8pm is one I am sure the public will not tolerate, and I agree with them wholeheartedly."
However, the trust saidthat no decision had yet been made and Michael Whitworth, chief executive of the area's primary care trust, has revealed that all services at Malton, Whitby, Bridlington, and Scarborough hospitals are to be reviewed.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article