MYSTERY surrounds the resignation of an outspoken general practitioner at a Darlington health centre.

Patients at the Park Place Health Centre have been left confused by Dr John Hopkins' decision to quit his post at the practice.

In November last year, it was announced that Dr Hopkins was resigning from the practice to take up a new role.

Letters were sent out by County Durham and Darlington Health Authority informing patients of the decision.

Three weeks later, Dr Hopkins withdrew his resignation and further letters were sent out to patients apologising for the confusion and advising them he was staying at the practice.

Dr Hopkins has since left his post, but Darlington Primary Care Trust and County Durham and Tees Valley Health Authority refused to give any details about his departure or whether they had informed patients.

A spokeswoman said: "Dr Hopkins took a personal decision to resign in June."

Anna Cox, a patient at the practice, said: "We have been left confused and without a permanent GP. First we were told Dr Hopkins was leaving, then that he was staying.

"The first we knew that he had gone was this week, when I took my daughter for an appointment. When I asked the surgery where Dr Hopkins had gone to they said they did not know."

Last year, Dr Hopkins spoke out against the poor condition of the practice and said he would leave unless something was done.

Last week, Darlington Primary Care Trust announced it was spending about £280,000 on improving conditions and facilities at Park Place.