RICHMOND MP Rishi Sunak has sought and received assurances about the future of the A&E department at the Friarage Hospital, Northallerton.
Mr Sunak contacted health chiefs after reports that the department was to be downgraded to a GP-led unit.
The Hambleton, Richmondshire and Whitby Clinical Commissioning Group, which buys health services in the area, issued a statement saying the A&E department service was to be improved, not reduced.
Family doctors are being invited to join A&E consultants at the busiest periods over the weekend to help make sure patients are seen within the four-hour waiting time target.
Under the CCG's plan there will be no reduction in the number of, or hours worked, by A&E consultants.
Mr Sunak spoke to the CCG as soon as the report was published on a news website.
He said: "I am pleased that the CCG has been able to give me and my constituents a firm commitment to the future and development of the A&E service at the Friarage.
"This proposal is about improving the service to patients, not downgrading the unit and I welcome it."