A BUYER for the St John of God Hospital at Scorton could be waiting in the wings.

A meeting between patients' and staff representatives and the Hospitaller Order of St John, the monks who run the unit, was held on Monday.

While the order gave no details, it is believed a potential buyer is interested in the property with a view to running health or medical services.

Coun Michael Heseltine, district and county councillor, said: "Nothing has been made public, but this would seem to be a glimmer of hope for all those people who do not want to see the hospital close."

A planning application for a housing development on the site, submitted by the order, was rejected by Richmondshire District Council this year.

The order announced two years ago that the hospital was destined for closure and clinical services were wound down, leaving only a nursing home and dementia units. These will close from March next year if no other solution is found.

A working party, liaising with local authorities and Hambleton and Richmondshire Primary Care Trust, has examined how the 100 patients who remain can be cared for.

The order said last year that the hospital was running at a £500,000 loss and it was hoped the buildings could be sold to a healthcare organisation. However, the Care Standards Commission would not approve such a move with the premises in their current condition and hundreds of thousands of pounds would have to be spent bringing them up to standard.

The St John of God chapel, will close on New Year's Eve.