AN MP has called for hospital patients to be protected after some were moved due to fire safety and construction defects.

Around 50 patients are believed to be involved in the move from Roseberry Park in Middlesbrough to Sandwell Park in Hartlepool.

Andy McDonald, MP for Middlesbrough, said: “Now patients are being moved and works scheduled, I will hold Three Valleys Healthcare Ltd to their commitment that those patients and their families face the minimum of disruption and are kept well informed during any closure period.

“I am determined to secure a full explanation as to how a new building that is so obviously and fundamentally flawed ever secured building regulation approval in the first place.

"I also want to make sure the works to Roseberry Park are completed without delay and I will be watching the situation very closely," he added.

A spokesperson for the Tees, Esk and Wear Valley Trust said the safety of their patients, staff and visitors was their "greatest concern".