STAFF facing redundancy from a hospital run by monks have been offered a glimmer of hope.

Management confirmed last week the surgical wing at the St John of God Hospital in Scorton, North Yorkshire, is to be wound down, with closure anticipated by August.

No one has yet confirmed how many staff will be affected by the Order of St John's decision to concentrate on nursing care for the elderly, but one employee put the figure as high as 90.

However, the privately-run Cleveland Nuffield Hospital, in Stockton, has confirmed a recruitment drive and is targeting St John of God staff.

Six to eight posts are available now, with more likely in future, although the 31-bed Cleveland Nuffield is also hoping to hear from experienced staff willing to have their names included on a data bank for relief work or to consider part-time posts or job-share schemes.

"We feel our service can only improve if we increase the learning opportunities for our staff and that means we often have some away on training courses. We therefore need others to help maintain our standards," said a spokeswoman.

Anyone interested in the vacancies can contact the hospital on (01642) 360100.