A HEALTH minister has been accused of washing his hands of a cash crisis at a North-East hospital, after refusing talks.

South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust called in external consultants after revealing it was likely to run up a £29m deficit this year.

In a briefing sent out to nearly 9,000 staff last week, its chief executive admitted to an “extremely tough financial challenge”, which required outside help.

The trust – which runs James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough, and the Friarage Hospital, Northallerton – fears its debts could hit £50m next year.

Health minister Dan Poulter was asked to meet Tom Blenkinsop, the Labour MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, to discuss the problems.

But, in a written reply, the minister said he had already debated the issues three times with Mr Blenkinsop in the Commons since November.

Mr Poulter wrote: “The honourable member has also had several meetings with ministers.

“The NHS regulator, Monitor, is continuing to investigate the South Tees NHS Foundation Trust and the results of its investigation will be published in due course.”

Mr Blenkinsop said he was astonished as the minister had previously stated his desire to stay in close touch with MPs on the issue.

He said: “A Tory minister has refuses to meet me about South Tees Trust, its deficit and huge service cuts, yet he had previously promised continuous dialogue. It’s unbelievable!”

Last November, in a Commons debate, Dr Poulter said: “The trust is performing very well. There are more beds, more staff, more investment going in. Better local care is being delivered.”