The hospital covers a large section of rural North Yorkshire and the Vale of York which amounts to over 120,000 people in 390 square miles (1,000 km2).

[3] It was originally intended that civilian casualties of bombing raids on Teesside would be brought to the hospital for treatment.

A stream, known as Sun Beck, flows through the town and is covered over from just outside the hospital to a car park west of the High Street in Northallerton.

[16] The accident and emergency department was downgraded to a 24/7 Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC) in February 2019 because of staff shortages.

[20] When inspected by the Care Quality Commission in June 2016, the CQC determined that hospital was performing to a Good standard.

The Friarage had decided to bring medical malpractice charges against the consultant, but his lawyer had advised the hospital that the legal action could take years.

North Yorkshire County Council asked the Health Secretary, Jeremy Hunt MP, to review the proposals in December 2012.

The plan was very unpopular with the local community and whilst it would not mean the cessation of maternity services, those pregnant mothers with illnesses or complications would have to travel a further 22 miles (35 km) to James Cook University Hospital.