Four intensive care patients had to be transferred after power failed at a North-East hospital last night.

Bosses at Middlesbrough General Hospital took the decision to transfer four intensive care patients to the neighbouring James Cook University Hospital when a power failure occurred at 9pm.

While back-up generators were switched on, the hospital authorities decided to move the ITU patients and close the hospital's accident and emergency unit.

Patients needing A&E treatment were diverted to North Tees Hospital's casualty unit.

Power failed in the trauma block which also contains facilities for orthopaedic, burns, plastics and high dependency spinal injuries patients. A spokesman said power in the block is back to normal although operations have been postponed until final checks have been made.

The A&E unit is expected to reopen at 11am.