The IRP, the independent expert on NHS service change, has been asked by the Secretary of State for Health to carry out a review relating to contested proposals for changes to maternity services in Scarborough and North East Yorkshire.

As part of our review, we would like to hear from local people who feel they have new information which was not submitted during the formal consultation process or believe that their voice has not been heard.

Please contact us by email at: info@irpanel.org.uk or by calling 020 7389 8055.

The referral to the IRP relates to the proposals by Scarborough and North East Yorkshire NHS Trust to change maternity services at Whitby, Malton and Bridlington Community Hospitals and develop a separate midwife-led unit on the Scarborough Hospital site.

Our review will look at whether the proposals will ensure the provision of safe, sustainable and accessible services for local people.

Over the coming weeks, we will be undertaking a number of visits to the area to talk to patients, clinicians, local authority representatives, interest groups and people living and working in the area who believe they have new evidence that the IRP should take into account.

It is important that our reviews are open and accountable to local communities.

We will therefore publish our conclusions on our website – www.irpanel.org.uk – once they have been considered by the Secretary of State for Health.