A NATIONAL NHS watchdog has criticised low staffing levels at a North-East health trust.

Following an inspection by the Commission for Health Improvement (CHI) the organisation's chief executive, Peter Homa, said he was concerned at Gateshead Health NHS Trust's staffing levels.

A spokesman for the commission said: "The trust relies heavily on the goodwill and commitment of the people who work for it."

However, the Tyneside trust was praised "for the way it has succeeded in making staff feel secure enough to report instances where things have, or nearly have, gone wrong. This is a really important achievement and the trust should be commended".

Mr Homa said the Gateshead trust demonstrated both examples of good practice and areas that need improvement. A plan is being prepared to address recommendations made by CHI.

The report is available at www.chi.nhs.u