A DECISION over the possible downgrading of children's and maternity services at a North Yorkshire hospital will be delayed until next year following objections.
Since a National Clinical Advisory Team recommendation for major changes at the Friarage Hospital, in Northallerton, was unveiled in January, 530 people have attended public engagement meetings across Hambleton and Richmondshire to discuss the changes and suggest ways of protecting the services.
Thousands have joined a Facebook protest group or signed petitions, while an estimated 4,000 joined a march through the town led by Richmondshire MP William Hague in May.
Health chiefs have acknowledged the strength of opposition to the plan to create an inpatient-only paediatric service and midwife-led maternity unit at the hospital.
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