County Durham and Darlington NHS Trust is currently consulting on the future shape of hospital services in the area.

Darlington people deserve the best NHS care, which is why I have written in support of the Seizing the Future proposals for Darlington Memorial Hospital, Bishop Auckland Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham

During 2008, the Trust that runs Darlington Memorial Hospital has achieved an excellent rating for the quality of its service. I believe these proposals secure the future of Darlington Memorial Hospital which is so is close to the hearts of the local community. Over the last ten years, Darlington has become the main centre for serious injury, emergency surgery and consultant led maternity and children’s services for the south of County Durham. It has worked closely with Bishop Auckland Hospital and the University Hospital of North Durham.

These proposals, developed by healthcare staff, build on those relationships. They bring forward some necessary changes that can secure a long-term future for all three hospitals. They mean that people in Darlington will be able to get high quality hospital treatment in Darlington. Without action, there is a real risk of problems in recruiting staff and in meeting high standards. No-one wants to see local patients having to travel to Teesside or Tyneside for treatment they currently get on the doorstep. 

I urge the Trust to push on with its proposals and to implement them as soon as possible. I also ask you to let the Trust know your views on the Seizing the Future proposals as the more people we can get to respond, the better chance we have of securing the best future for Darlington Memorial Hospital.

You can complete and return the response form in the public consultation document, or its public summary version, and send it to the FREEPOST address below (no stamp required):

Seizing the Future Consultation
FREEPOST RRXK-CZGR-TJJA
Unit G Lumley Close
Thirsk Industrial Park
Thirsk
YO7 3TD

Alternatively, you can fill the public consultation response form online.

You can also email comments@seizingthefuture.org.uk, write to the FREEPOST address above or call the public consultation hotline on FREEPHONE 0800 121 4874.