I CONFESS to know absolutely nothing about the proposed closure of our Hartlepool hospital or any of the machinations involved because I was away at the time.

On the face of it, the whole idea is inconceivable, a disgraceful thoughtless slur to the needs of the inhabitants.

The jobsworth, or intellectual gathering who instigated this proposal in the first place, did so without proper research, social implications, or public approval. Who were they?

Were any public meetings involved?

The travelling and expenses alone, particularly for old age pensioners and the not so well off, have caused hardship.

So now, some patients of Hartlepool have to travel to either James Cook or North Tees for certain treatments.

Recent visitations to said hospitals highlight the fact that they too are overstretched, judging by the car parking charade and the lengthy waiting times for treatment.

There is only one practical and sensible solution as far as I can see.

The present hospital in its entirety to be gradually upgraded and qualified to deal with all eventualities making it equivalent to or better than the sister hospitals across the Tees.

The government can find billions of pounds if and when necessary to bail out, assist, or rescue other countries in their hour of need. Our needs are paramount.

J W Bearby, Hartlepool.