AN MP has demanded answers over an empty medical practice and hospital ward in her constituency.

Bishop Auckland MP, Helen Goodman, raised concerns in Parliament on Tuesday about rent charges by NHS Property Services which she said have left Shildon Medical Centre and part of the Richardson Hospital, in Barnard Castle, empty.

Ms Goodman said the charges were "too high" and asked: "When will the Secretary of State sort out this waste of resources?"

Minister of State for Health, Stephen Barclay, said there was a "variance in the system".

He said: "The party opposite simply see the debate in terms of how much is put in, whereas on this side of the House, we recognise we need to invest more in the NHS but ensure we get the best outcomes."

Speaking afterwards Ms Goodman said: “This was a terrible answer by the Tory Health Minister. My question was not asking for more resource but for the government to use existing resources properly.”