THE North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Trust has performed above Government targets for the third month running.

Between April and June, the trust saw a big rise in the number of referrals by GPs as well as a rise in the number of emergency admissions. During that period, the trust treated 6,803 patients waiting to be admitted to hospital or as day care patients, compared to 6,596 for the same period last year.

The trust also treated more patients admitted as emergencies - 11, 741 this year compared to 10,958 last year.

As well as treating more patients than last year, the trust kept below Government targets for waiting times and lists.

At the end of June, according to trust figures, no patient was waiting more than 12 months to be admitted to hospital or as a day case.

As a result of seeing more patients in a shorter period of time, the trust had less people on the waiting list than expected, despite the increase in referrals.

Julian Hartley, director of acute services, planning and development, said: "The fact that we are meeting our targets, despite a big rise in the number of patients needing treatment, reflects the continued commitment and dedication of our staff."