FEARS are growing that the new Bishop Auckland hospital will not have a full range of services when it opens next year, following the announcement of a review of acute hospital services.

Health bosses have invited Professor Ara Darzi, of Imperial College, London, to review all acute hospital services in County Durham and Darlington to enable the authority to meet NHS Plan targets.

The review will also consider the impact of the reduction in working hours for junior doctors.

Prof Darzi's task will be to advise on "clinically sustainable options" for services throughout County Durham.

There are concerns that this could lead to a greater centralisation of services in Darlington and the withdrawal of some existing services from Bishop Auckland.

A spokesman for County Durham and Darlington Health Authority said that there was a need to "enhance" hospital services across the county, taking account of available resources.

Recently, Kevin Earley, the outgoing chairman of North Durham NHS Trust, provoked a row by arguing that the £67m Bishop Auckland General Hospital was a "white elephant" which would have a limited range of services.

That view was rejected by Health Secretary Alan Milburn during a visit to his Darlington constituency last month.

During his visit Mr Milburn told The Northern Echo: "One thing I can promise is that Bishop Auckland is going to be a very well used hospital."

Ken Jarrold, health authority chief executive, said: "The review will allow us to make sure that our acute services are fit for the future."

Prof Darzi expects to complete his review by the end of January 2002.

Any significant changes to services will be subject to full public consultation.

Bishop Auckland MP Derek Foster said: "We want the fullest range of hospital services delivered locally.