CONTROVERSIAL hospital plans are still being scrutinised and people are being asked not to be complacent over the debate.

A leading councillor has urged Hartlepool residents to take part in public consultations on the future of hospital services.

Meetings are taking place in Hartlepool and surrounding areas to give people the chance to air their views on Professor Darzi's report.

The report, published in July, was welcomed by Hartlepool Borough Council and hospital campaigners, after it recommended that the University Hospital of Hartlepool should retain and improve many of its services, including the creation of a centre of excellence for women's and children's services.

The Question Time-style meetings have been organised by the joint committee to scrutinise the Darzi proposals.

Councillor Ray Waller, the council's cabinet member for adult services and public health, said: "We should not take it for granted that the battle is won and Hartlepool people should continue to make their voices heard at these meetings.

"These consultative meetings are very important and the views expressed could well have a bearing on the final outcome."

The meetings will be held on December 7, at 7pm, in the Arc Centre, Dovecot Street, Stockton; and December 12, at 7pm, in the Baltic Suite, Hartlepool Historic Quay, Maritime Avenue, Hartlepool, TS24 0XZ.

The meetings will be chaired by Councillor Eddie Dryden, who chairs the joint committee and a panel of NHS representatives will answer questions about the proposals and the consultation exercise.

The joint committee is made up of councillors from Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Stockton and Durham and North Yorkshire county councils.

It is taking evidence from members of the public, patients' groups and NHS staff.