HEALTH bosses last night moved to dispel fears that the accident and emergency department at Northallerton's Friarage Hospital is on the verge of closure.

Some hospital staff say the department is suffering from severe staff shortages.

But officials from South Tees NHS Trust, which runs the hospital, have said they have no plans to close it.

Janice Partlett, the trust's clinical matron of accident and emergency, last night issued a statement denying that the unit was under threat.

She said: "We have no plans to close the accident and emergency department at the Friarage Hospital.

"It is an integral part of the hospital services we provide for patients in Northaller- ton and the surrounding areas.

"Any staff who have left will be replaced and jobs are currently being advertised in local newspapers and journals."

But one source, who asked not to be named, claims that a number of workers have left the department recently and have not been replaced, leading to fears it could close due to staff shortages.

The hospital worker said: "We have lost about five nurses now over a period of about six months and not a single one has been replaced.

"Everyone is working extra hours to cover other people's shifts and morale is very low at the moment.

"We have all been assured that nothing is going to happen to the unit but if we haven't got any staff then it will have to close.

"If all the acute services go to James Cook in Middlesbrough then the Friarage is going to be nothing more than a rehabilitation unit for the elderly.

"I do fear for the people of Northallerton, but it is not just them who would suffer, it is the people who live in Reeth and Aysgarth who would have to travel for an hour to get to their nearest Accident and Emergency department."

Officials from the NHS Trust met Hambleton district councillors last month to discuss the future of the hospital. There are plans for an £18m redevelopment to provide a new children's unit, modern pharmacy and improved parking.