A PRIVATE hospital run by monks is to close its operating theatres and surgical ward in a move that could see scores of jobs go.

Management at St John of God Hospital in Scorton, between Richmond and Northallerton in North Yorkshire, has confirmed the move as part of a switch from acute services to care for the elderly.

Nursing care for the elderly and those suffering from Alzheimer's disease, and improved support for families and carers are to be the prime objectives, with heavy investment to expand the services.

The St Bede's surgical ward and operating theatres will close, some time after August 1 this year.

While bosses refused to confirm job losses, one staff member - who did not wish to be nameed - said it was feared as many as 90 were under threat. But some jobs are expected to be created as part of the expansion of special needs care.

Provincial of the Hospitaller Order of St John of God in England, the Very Reverend Brother John Martin, said: "Surgical services have been provided at St John of God for many years and have delivered expert care to thousands of patients.

"In view of the surgical facilities now available to people in this region, our decision reflects the order's mission to provide care where it is most needed.

"The development of new services could provide the potential to create 40 new places and additional day care facilities We would also need to recruit further staff with expertise in this field.

"We hope to be in a position to begin work this autumn."

The hospital, which is run with money raised by the order, claims statistics indicate demand for geriatric care is on the increase.

The Alzheimer's Disease Society predicts one in 20 people aged over 70 will be diagnosed with some for of dementia, increasing to one in five over 80.

In the Richmond area alone, it is estimated there are 500 people with this type of disability, with only 70 long-term beds available in the private market.

Of those 31 are already provided by the Order of St John.