I get what they're saying about losing direct links but sometimes its just the way it is. Arrivas service changes in East Durham 22/23/24 directly impacted me, I lost links to Easington, Seaham & Sunderland as a result. I felt the change wasn't needed, however how many people were travelling Haswell to any of the above locations? I could well be in the minority.
People of South Shields have there own hospital anyway (I know the article mentions certain services which are now in Sunderland) But what about people in Seaham/Murton? There only local hospital is Sunderland Royal and they have to get a bus to Sunderland, and change in the interchange. In fact there no direct link to any hospital from Seaham or Murton I don't think. So I can't see the issue here unfortunately.
RE: Go North East: Upcoming Service Changes