A HOSPITAL could soon be boosting its eye care services thanks to a million-pound gift from a former patient.

Plans for a new eye suite at Middlesbrough's James Cook University Hospital are on the drawing board after it received the bequest from an unnamed woman.

The money, donated to South Tees Hospitals NHS Trust, will be used to treat patients suffering from conditions such as glaucoma and cataracts.

Specialists have put forward plans to be considered by Middlesbrough Council's planning department.

If they are granted permission, work could start this summer, with the opening next spring or early summer.

Mamdouh El-Naggar, clinical director of ophthalmology, said: "We are extremely grateful for a £1m bequest from a former patient of the eye department.

"This has given us the opportunity to build a dedicated operating theatre at The James Cook University Hospital."

South Tees health bosses hope to place a plaque in the suite in honour of the former patient, who was treated several years ago in Middlesbrough.

They were told that the money had to be spent at North Riding Infirmary and decided to use the money to create the specialist facility at James Cook after the closure of the former eye hospital.

Mr El-Naggar said: "If planning permission is granted, the twin-operating suite will also include a local anaesthetic suite, recovery areas, a day-case unit and other support rooms as well as staff changing areas."