HOSPITAL bosses say patients' safety will not be compromised by Carillion's collapse.

The outsourcing company has begun the process of entering compulsory liquidation after talks failed to find another way to deal with the company's debts.

The business run oversaw a number of North-East operations, including cleaning, security, portering and switchboard services at Middlesbrough's James Cook University Hospital.

However, Kevin Oxley, South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust’s director of estates, procurement and ICT, said measures have been put in place to maintain services.

He said: "In common with a number of NHS trusts, we use Carillion to provide a number of services at James Cook University Hospital.

“We have extensive contingency plans for dealing with this issue and making sure that services to our patients continue to be provided safely and to a high standard.

“All of our facilities remain open as normal and patient appointments are unaffected.

“We know this will be an unsettling time for staff and thank them for the hard and important work they do on behalf of our patients.

"We will be speaking directly to them through their line management structure."