THE threat to close a North-East stroke unit appeared to be receding last night after hospital bosses said they were “much more optimistic”

about the future.

The acute stroke unit at Darlington Memorial Hospital had been in danger of closure because of staff shortages But last night, Stephen Eames, chief executive of County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation, said recent developments on staffing “secures our current service”.

Earlier this year, The Northern Echo exclusively revealed that plans had been drawn up to close the acute stroke unit at Darlington Memorial Hospital unless extra medical staff could be appointed.

A national shortage of stroke specialists combined with a Government- backed drive to set up 24-hour-a-day acute stroke treatment units in every area meant that the County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust was struggling to provide an acute service at Darlington and the University Hospital of North Durham.

At the time, hospital officials warned that unless they were able to recruit more medical staff they would be forced to centralise 24/7 acute stroke treatment at the much larger Durham stroke unit.

But after meeting a delegation that included Jenny Chapman, the councillor who is hoping to succeed Alan Milburn as the next Labour MP for Darlington, Mr Eames issued a statement expressing optimism about its future.

He said: “Over the past couple of months, we have made good progress. We have brought in locum staff to support our permanent consultants, and we are now more optimistic about recruiting further expertise to strengthen our team.”

Mr Eames said the improving situation meant the current service was secure and the trust can continue to provide acute stroke care from Darlington and Durham, as well as rehabilitation services.

The crucial factor for acute stroke treatment is to have trained medical staff available at all times, who can interpret brain scans and identify the one in ten patients who might benefit from an injection of thrombolytic, socalled clot-busting drugs.

Last night, Councillor Chapman said: “I am very encouraged by the trust’s latest statement. I know that people in Darlington will be reassured. It is very important for the community to have access to thrombolytic treatment on a 24-hour, seven days a week basis and, under the latest proposals, this is what we are going to get.”

Coun Chapman led a delegation of representatives from Age Concern, Gold and Link.