A SYMBOLIC procession was held yesterday to mark a new era in healthcare in a part of the region.
NHS staff walked from Middlesbrough General Hospital, which is now closed, to the James Cook University Hospital, where all wards and departments have moved.
On the way, they passed the North Riding Infirmary and the neuro-rehabilition unit at West Lane Hospital, which have also closed.
The procession was organised to mark the contribution the closing hospitals have played to health on Teesside.
The move was then celebrated with a family fun day at the James Cook University Hospital.
Commissioning manager Paul Willetts said: "I am pleased to say the moves went well. All our patients were transferred safely across to the James Cook University Hospital.
"We have actually moved the equivalent of more than 1,000 households, and I would like to thank everyone for their hard work over recent weeks."
The chief executive of South Tees Hospitals NHS Trust, Bill Murray, said: "It is a day of mixed emotions, no doubt tinged with sadness for many of us.
"I have to pay tribute to all the staff for their continued commitment, dedication and enthusiasm."
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