PLANS to move a hospital's orthopaedic unit to a neighbouring town could be unveiled at the end of the month.

Potential changes at the University Hospitals of North Tees and Hartlepool will be put under the spotlight at a board meeting of the Tees and Hartlepool NHS Trust on September 28.

Suggestions that the orthopaedic unit at the University of Hospital of North Tees be moved from Stockton to Hartlepool has been met with concern by Stockton North MP Frank Cook and Bob Gibson, leader of Stockton Borough Council.

Councillor Gibson said a meeting with health officials earlier this week had done nothing to allay his fears.

"The meeting has not dispelled my concerns about proposed changes in services provided at North Tees," he said.

"Frank Cook and I remain concerned that services could be lost from North Tees and we will both be involved in consultation from the earliest stage.

"It is still our view services could be provided on one site at North Tees and that will remain so until the full financial appraisals are presented through the consultation process.

"The Trust have assured me no firm decision has yet been made on any changes to services, including the possible transfer of the arthoplasty service to Hartlepool."

A wide and inclusive consultation is to be carried out with the council, service users and employees on any subsequent proposals about service changes