William Hague reacts to Friarage Hospital decision

Decision on services referred to independent panel

The Secretary of State has supported the review into the decision to downgrade services at the Friarage Hospital in North Yorkshire.

William Hague asked for the decision to be referred to the Independent Reconfiguration Panel due to the "high level of public anxiety about this issue".

The hospital's Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) decided in February 2014 that children's and maternity services would be scaled back. They argue that treatment at larger hospitals in Middlesbrough, Leeds or Darlington would be safer.

However, thousands of families have campaigned against the move, saying it would be risky for patients to travel further.

William Hague has now welcomed the CCG's decision to request the the Health Secretary, Jeremy Hunt sanctions a full review by the Independent Reconfiguration Panel.