TWO out of three finalists in a national NHS competition are from the North-East.

This year's Hospital Doctor Award for the urology team of the year has shortlisted a team from North Tees General Hospital, Stockton, and a team from Hartlepool General Hospital.

The urogynaecology team at Hartlepool is led by consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, Safwat Tosson, and the team at North Tees by consultant urologist Leslie Gilliland.

Entries have been judged on a number of criteria, including the make-up of the team, leadership, teamworking and continuous improvement. The winner will be announced at an awards ceremony in London, on November 22.

Dr Peter Royle, the trust's medical director said: "To have two finalists is a great tribute to the teams and the trust.