HOSPITAL chiefs have drawn up plans to ensure emergency admissions can be dealt with during the fuel crisis.

Bishop Auckland General Hospital has set up a contingency planning group to try to minimise risk to patients. It met yesterday to look at potential difficulties in getting supplies, patients and staff to hospital.

Hospital spokeswoman Julie Oliver said no operations were cancelled, but some out-patient appointments were missed, because ambulances can only respond to emergencies.

"The group has drawn up a multi-layered plan which looks at staffing, patient support and supplies and how the whole situation affects services. At the moment, all that has happened is there will be no non-urgent travel."

Health officials were due to reassess the situation today