Government to review hospital row

The government has assigned a specialist to clarify the future of a hospital on Teesside.

There has been mounting speculation Hartlepool's University Hospital will close as part of a health review.

Professor Ara Darzi, a respected surgeon, will liaise with nurses, doctors and patients to investigate how hospital services can be maintained.

Ken Jarrold, chairman of the Tees Review Board, said Prof Darzi would have the full co-operation of staff.

Mr Jarrold said: "Professor Darzi will be able to access all the work we've done, both with doctors and nurses and other staff, and also with patients and the public.

"I think it's entirely understandable that, given the high level of public concern, the Department of Health should want to satisfy themselves everything possible has been done.

"What matters to the people of Hartlepool is that we come to the right decisions about maintaining the fullest possible hospital services in the town."

Current proposals include axing the Hartlepool site and another in Stockton to build a new £175m facility north of the Tees within 10 years.