WAITING lists could be cut if health secretary Alan Milburn agrees to back an innovative Teesside firm.

The Marske Machine Company, of Middlesbrough, has developed a pre-fabricated operating theatre which has already won the backing of Hartlepool MP Peter Mandelson.

Mr Mandelson has written to Mr Milburn and sent him a copy of a video showing the operating theatre in action.

Mr Mandelson visited the firm recently and was invited by managing director John McCullagh to make a phone call to Mr Milburn, singing the operating theatre's praises.

Explaining why he has gone one step further, Mr Mandelson said: "At a time when the NHS is being renewed and rebuilt, we have to find all sorts of new ways and avenues to get value for money to get quick and flexible responses to hospital and patient needs.

"There is a huge success story to be told about the modular theatres and I am very happy to help to do that.''

Mr McCullagh said if the NHS came up with orders for his theatres, much needed jobs would be created on Teesside.

He said: "This news is most encouraging. We wanted to cut through the red tape and it looks as though that's exactly what Peter Mandelson has helped us do.

"Hopefully Mr Milburn will be impressed with Mr Mandelson's comments and the video and will make the appropriate recommendations to his department.''