THE boss of the North-East's newest NHS hospital has called for an end to damaging rumours about the £96m project.

Since it opened in April, the privately-financed University Hospital of North Durham has come under attack from trade unions, local MP Gerry Steinberg and a patient watchdog.

Mr Steinberg has claimed that patients have been exploited by high charges for facilities such as bedside TVs.

Yesterday, the acting chief executive of North Durham Health Care NHS Trust, Steven Mason, said: "I am concerned that continuous criticism will damage staff morale and public confidence.

"It is sad, because Durham has waited the best part of 20 years for a new hospital."

While Mr Mason accepted there had been some teething troubles, he said most of the allegations were unfounded.

Far from having fewer registered nurses, the North Durham trust now had 667, compared to 632 in April last year, he said.

Mr Mason said the trust's budget had increased and stood at £111m, which contradicted union predictions that it would be forced to spend less on patient care.