STOCKTON South MP Matt Vickers has called on the government to invest in the ageing North Tees Hospital to ensure it is modernised and made fit for the future.

After volunteering at the Stockton hospital during Parliament’s summer recess, Mr Vickers saw his invite to Health Secretary, Matt Hancock accepted on his first day back in Westminster.

North Tees Hospital recently secured £3m in Government funding for its A&E department but during a Health Social Care sitting in the chamber, Mr Vickers pushed for more.

He said: “During the pandemic, I have been volunteering at my local hospital and have seen first-hand the outstanding dedication, enthusiasm and care given by all who work at North Tees Hospital. This fantastic, award-winning workforce deserve to work in a modern, fit-for-purpose building. Will my right hon. friend join me in visiting this ageing building to see how we can make it fit for the future?”

Mr Hancock agreed to make the visit to discuss future plans for the hospital with a date to be confirmed in the coming days.

Mr Vickers added said: “I am delighted the Secretary of State for Health will be coming up to Stockton.

“I am determined to ensure Stockton’s local hospital gets a good share of the government’s record breaking investment in the NHS. Across Stockton the workforce at the hospital are admired for their commitment and determination and the coronavirus acts to remind us of the work of our amazing hospital.”