Investigation into Friarage hospital patient care

The investigation will focus on patients whose conditions get worse whilst they are in hospital

GPs have begun an inquiry into the care of patients whose conditions get worse while in a North Yorkshire hospital.

Information received by doctors has prompted the investigation at the Friarage hospital in Northallerton.

The Hambleton, Richmondshire and Whitby Clinical Commissioning Group declined to give further details due to patient confidentiality.

The trust which runs the hospital said it would be "inappropriate" to comment.

The Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) said the investigation would "test" the concerns about care at the 225-bed hospital which is run by the South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

'Ensure improvements'

The group has not said how long the investigation is expected to continue for nor has it said which part of the hospital was the focus of the inquiry.

Jon James, NHS Hambleton, Richmondshire and Whitby CCG secondary care doctor, said: "The CCG is working with the trust to examine in detail how patients are cared for when their condition deteriorates and how continuity of care is assured.

"This is to ensure improvements are embedded and sustained."

The South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust confirmed it was working with the CCG.

In a statement it added: "As this investigation is ongoing, and because of the need to protect patient confidentiality, it would be inappropriate for the trust to comment further at this stage."