Stockton North MP, Alex Cunningham MP, has welcomed the announcement that North Tees Hospital’s Accident and Emergency Department is to remain open – and has expressed his hope that this is a long-term decision.
Proposals to downgrade either North Tees’ or Darlington Memorial Hospital’s A&E department have been under review for more than three years, and Alex has been working with local campaigners to lobby the Government in support for North Tees’ A&E long-term future. The announcement to retain the service in both hospitals was made by Alan Foster, chief executive of North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Trust, following extensive feedback from stakeholders and consultees.
Alex said:
I very much welcome the decision to retain the Accident and Emergency department at North Tees Hospital. It was the number one issue for voters during last year’s General Election campaign and I’ve been working with local campaigners to lobby NHS officials and the Government about the retention of the service. I am pleased to see that NHS bosses have listened to people’s concerns and acted accordingly.
“I note, however, that Mr Foster did not commit to the longer-term future of North Tees’ A&E department, so will continue to press him and the Government too for assurances that North Tees Hospital will always be home to a local A&E service
