OFFICIALS are investigating fresh allegations that Jimmy Savile abused patients at two North-East hospitals.

An inquiry has been launched at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Gateshead into claims the entertainer committed assaults at the site.

Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI) in Newcastle is also investigating fresh allegations that have emerged since June.

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt announced today that the number of hospitals investigating allegations of abuse by Savile has been extended to 41.

The findings of inquiries at 28 hospitals were published earlier this year, with local NHS managers confirming Savile visited the RVI, as well as Newcastle General Hospital, but said there was no evidence that the disc jockey was ever left alone with patients.

However, a further wave of allegations has since emerged at RVI and other hospitals, while a further eight hospitals and an ambulance trust are starting investigations for the first time.

These are:

- Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Gateshead

- Birch Hill Hospital in Rochdale

- Scott House Hospital in Rochdale

- Bethlem Royal Hospital in London

- Shenley Hospital in London

- West Yorkshire Ambulance Service

- St Martin's Hospital in Canterbury

- Meanwood Park Hospital near Leeds

- Calderdale Royal Hospital

As well as the RVI, Leeds General Infirmary and Stoke Mandeville are investigating fresh allegations that have emerged since June.

The results are expected in January 2015.

Reports from four hospitals - Stoke Mandeville, Rampton Hospital in Nottinghamshire, Springfield Hospital in London and Crawley Hospital in West Sussex - were due in June, but were delayed.

In a written ministerial statement, Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt said: "At the request of the Crown Prosecution Service, the publication of the NHS investigations into Jimmy Savile is being delayed until the conclusion of ongoing legal proceedings.

"Therefore, I wish to advise the House that there will be a delay in the publication of the outstanding NHS investigation reports.

"We now hope trusts will publish their reports in January 2015."