THE group of doctors behind proposals to reduce maternity and paediatric services say the clinical case for change at the Friarage Hospital is strong.

Dr Vicky Pleydell, who leads the Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) behind the proposals, said the decision to pursue downgrading the services had been arrived at “after careful consideration” by GPs.

The CCG says the Friarage receives too few patients to run services, that fewer children and mothers need to stay overnight in hospitals following medical advances, and that the way consultants want to work has changed.

Dr Pleydell said: “We know children’s and maternity services at the Friarage have faced issues for some time and this option means women can still have low-risk births there and children can still be assessed by the appropriate clinician.

“Our duty is to commission the safest, most high quality services and clinical evidence tells us that this option will allow us to do this, while ensuring we remain within our allocation of funding.”

The recommendation will be debated at a public meeting on Monday, at 10am, at Hambleton Forum, Northallerton , and by the board of NHS North Yorkshire and York on Tuesday, September 25.

The board will decide the final options for public consultation, which if approved, will trigger a formal 14-week public consultation.

In the meantime, North Yorkshire health scrutiny committee will consider the proposals, which it could refer to the Secretary of State if it considers the interests of residents would be hit.

Proposed changes do not yet have a scheduled start date.