Local councils are likely to reject a key component of the so-called Darzi Plan when they meet on Monday.

Health bosses across Teesside and Hartlepool have already backed a controversial plan to re-organise local hospital services.

The plan, which was drawn up by the Government-appointed health advisor Professor Ara Darzi, would mean drastic changes to hospital services in the area.

One of the most controversial proposals is to strip the University Hospital of North Tees of its special care baby unit and its consultant-led maternity and paediatric units.

NHS officials have warned residents that changes must take place to ensure the long-term viability of hospital services in the area.

But in a development which challenges the Darzi proposals the Joint Scrutiny Committee, made up of councillors from Hartlepool, Stockton, Middlesbrough, Redcar and Cleveland councils and Durham and North Yorkshire county councils, is expected to call for major proposals contained in the Darzi Plan to be rejected when it meets on Monday.

Over the last six months the committee has held public meetings and taken advice from health professionals, patient groups and members of the public.

The committees draft report, which will be considered at a meeting at Middlesbrough Town Hall, is strongly critical of many of the Darzi recommendations.

It also expresses concern at the impact of the long-running review on the morale of health workers.

The report calls for key proposals - such as the concentration of maternity services at Hartlepool and changes to paediatric services - to be scrapped. It supports other proposals relating to gynaecology and breast surgery, the establishment of a major emergency and trauma unit at North Tees and increased use of the Friarage Hospital, Northallerton, for orthopaedics.

Councillor Eddie Dryden from Middlesbrough, who chairs the scrutiny committee, said: We fully accept that a review had to take place and that changes have to be made. doing nothing is not an option.

But we do believe that some of the key proposals will not improve patient care, accountability or the long-term financial sustainability of the national health service in our region.

Cllr Dryden said the committee had deep concern about the lack of financial information about the proposals.

It the NHS side rejects its findings, the Scrutiny Committee will ask Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt to make a final ruling.