A COMMUNITY hospital in Middlesbrough is under threat of closure, The Northern Echo understands.

Staff at the Carter Bequest community hospital, on Cambridge Road in Middlesbrough, were told today (TUESDAY APRIL 29) that it could be closed as part of plans to streamline care for the elderly in Teesside and North Yorkshire.

The South Tees Clinical Commissioning Group, (CCG) the GP-run group which buys most local NHS care for residents, is releasing an official statement about the plans later tomorrow. (WEDNESDAY APRIL 30).

The Northern Echo understands that the Guisborough stroke unit will be closed and moved to Redcar, and that the East Cleveland Hospital in Brotton will be used more.

The CCG is understood to be launching a formal 13-week consultation on the plans and it is understood to be part of a drive to treat stroke victims and the elderly in their own homes rather than in hospital.