NHS managers have launched a public consultation on the controversial proposed closure of a Hartlepool fertility clinic.

Three options on the future of the service will be given three options on what to do about providing the service which helps women get pregnant.

Managers at The NHS North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust have told Hartlepool and Stockton's Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) that they can no longer provide the service due to inadequate staffing levels.

Now the CCG is consulting with the public before making a final decision. Three options are being put before the public in Hartlepool, Stockton and surrounding area. They are:

*Continue providing a comprehensive assisted reproductive service at Hartlepool but delivered by "an alternative provider" which could be unlicensed.

*Unlicensed assisted reproductive services continue to be delivered at Hartlepool and patients requiring licensed provision choose to go to an alternative site, for example James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough.

*Fertility provision be entirely closed in Hartlepool but offered at other sites in the region.

Ali Wilson, chief officer of NHS Hartlepool and Stockton CCG, said: “We realise this may cause concern and we are working with the Trust to be able to provide a safe and sustainable service in the future. Our public consultation will run for six weeks until Friday, July 15. “More information will be available on the consultation website - www.haveasay.org.uk and paper copies are also available by contacting 01642-745401.”