A BOOK about the history of healthcare in Middlesbrough has been launched.

South Tees Hospitals NHS Trust's has copies of the book, which commemorates the closure of Middlesbrough General Hospital, North Riding Infirmary, and the neuro-rehabilitation ward at West Lane Hospital last August.

A History of Hospitals in Middlesbrough by Barry Doyle, from the Centre for Local Historical Research at the University of Teesside, details the history of the three hospitals, including anecdotal and personal experiences from staff past and present.

The book is available from James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough, at a cost of £6 a copy or people can call (01642) 854 343 to have a copy sent out.