Concerns over hospital services

Bishop Auckland Hospital was opened in 2002

Council leaders in County Durham are seeking assurances over the future of some services at a £67m hospital which opened in 2002.

Leaders from three local authorities urged health bosses not to close one ward and end haematology services at Bishop Auckland Hospital.

The County Durham and Darlington Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, is considering switching some services to Darlington.

But Sedgefield, Teesdale and Wear Valley Councils want services to stay.

The trust is conducting an internal review, which is due to report back in the new year.

'Safeguard interests'

A delegation of councillors has pressed health officials to make a decision soon about the future of haematology services, which it stressed should be located at Bishop Auckland.

Neil Stonehouse, leader of Wear Valley Council, said: "Whilst we understand that the hospital has to strive to meet the needs of the NHS for ever greater efficiency, these talks are essential to safeguard the interests of local people.

"Our concern is that local people should continue to get the best deal."

Discussions are planned to continue in the new year.