Special meeting to discuss future of Darlington Memorial Hospital A&E

PEOPLE are to be given an opportunity to raise concerns about the possible closure of Teesdale’s nearest accident and emergency (A&E) department.
A major shake-up of the NHS in the area, through the NHS Sustainability and Transformation Plan (STP), could see Darlington Memorial Hospital’s A&E department shut. Darlington Borough Council has launched an inquiry into and will be holding a special meeting on Friday, February 17, at Darlington town hall, at 1pm, to discuss the issue.
The health plans say there should only be two specialist emergency hospitals in the region. James Cook University in Middlesbrough is one – the other will be at either Darlington Memorial or North Tees hospitals.
During the meeting, the NHS team will present the plan and take questions from councillors. Later stakeholders and the public will be given a chance to give their views.
Health chiefs will be given an opportunity to respond before a special council meeting will consider its view of the plan.
Cllr Andy Scott, cabinet member for health and partnerships, said: “We hope this event will be well attended, both by members of the public and those with a specific interest in the NHS.
“I know many people have concerns about the plans. We will all rely on the NHS at some point in our lives, so the future of NHS services in Darlington is an issue that affects everyone.
“Members of the public are welcome to attend, not just those living in Darlington but people further afield in South Durham and North Yorkshire who feel they may be affected by the proposals.”