A service for patients with spinal cord injuries is being set up ahead of schedule.

The North of England Spinal Cord Injuries Centre, which is being built at South Cleveland Hospital, Middlesbrough, is due to open next September as a single site.

It was anticipated that, during construction, services would continue to be provided from two sites - a four-bed high dependency unit at Middlesbrough General Hospital and a 16-bed rehabilitation ward at Hexham General Hospital.

But, as Hexham is having a new hospital built on its existing site, it has been decided to transfer the rehabilitation service to Middlesbrough General Hospital next April.

Sue Greaves, a project manager for the regional spinal injuries unit, said a number of nursing, physiotherapy and occupational therapy staff would move from Hexham to Middlesbrough.

She said: "There is recognition that this early transfer will ensure the continuation of a comprehensive package of care, which is so essential for this group of patients.

"Staff from Hexham and Middlesbrough will continue to work hard to ensure that the service in Middlesbrough is ready to take patients in April, and that it transfers as smoothly as possible with a minimum impact on patients."

The new centre will include a six-bed high dependency unit, 24 rehabilitation beds and a range of therapy and rehabilitation facilities for out and in-patients.

Serving a population of about three million, it will also provide lifelong follow-up care for both the newly injured and long-term sufferers.

Follow-up services will be provided at outreach clinics throughout the region and, when necessary, at home