AN MP is urging people to have their say at two “listening” events being hosted by independent healthcare regulator the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

Stockton North MP Alex Cunningham said he wanted the organisation to take away an accurate and representative picture of the quality of care provided by both North Tees and Hartlepool hospitals.

The consultation events are at the Newtown Community Resource Centre, in Durham Road, Stockton, on Wednesday, July 1 and at the Best Western Grand Hotel, in Swainson Street, Hartlepool on Monday, July 6. Both start at 6pm.

Mr Cunningham said hospitals were doing their best to cope with what he claimed were huge cost reduction targets, but said in other areas standards of care were falling.

He said: “It is critical that the CQC are able to get an accurate and representative picture of the quality of care provided by our local hospitals.

“I therefore hope that as many people as possible will take part in the upcoming listening events and share their experiences – good or bad – to make sure that any problems are identified and solutions sought to secure world class healthcare here on Teesside.”