REGARDING the report by the Independent Reconfiguration Panel (IRP) into maternity and children’s service at the Friarage Hospital, in Northallerton (Echo, 24 May).
The IRP has provided advice to the Secretary of State regarding reconfiguration of children’s and maternity services at the hospital.
As part of this advice, the IRP has taken into account three different options included in a report called “Proposed reconfiguration of paediatric and maternity services at the Friarage hospital”.
The IRP advised that if it is considered that option one [retaining the consultant-led service] is not viable, it is important to demonstrate why it is not viable by providing suitably detailed analysis to show what it would mean in terms of sustainability, affordability and quality.
The IRP did not conclude or advise that it would only be necessary for the Hambleton, Richmondshire and Whitby clinicial commissioning group (CCG) to consult on its two preferred options.
The panel is of the opinion that it is important that a formal consultation is conducted in a fair and open way.
The IRP’s full advice can be found on its website irpanel.org.uk
Lord Ribeiro, chairman of the IRP
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