AN inquiry into controversial plans that could lead to A&E services being lost in Darlington is to be held later this month.

Darlington Borough Council will consider the draft NHS Sustainability and Transformation Plan (STP), which proposes major changes to the way health services are provided in the region, at a special meeting on Friday, February 17 at 1pm.

The meeting will enable councillors to hear evidence on how the plan may impact on people in Darlington and the surrounding areas who use health services, including Darlington Memorial Hospital.

The contentious STP envisages the establishment of two specialist emergency hospitals in the region – Middlesbrough’s James Cook University Hospital and either Darlington Memorial or North Tees.

Four local hospitals – the Friarage in Northallerton, Bishop Auckland, Hartlepool and one of Darlington Memorial or North Tees – would also be created, though only the Friarage would retain its A&E department.

During the meeting, the STP team will be invited to present the plan and take questions from elected members, before stakeholders and members of the public give their views on aspects of the plan.

The STP team will then have a chance to give a response to what has been said, before special council reconvenes to consider its view of the plan.

Last week, representatives of the 999 Call for the NHS campaign urged Darlington Borough Council to back them in resisting STPs in their entirety.

In response, councillors said they shared concerns and reservations about the potential impact of STPs on the town’s residents.

Cllr Andy Scott, cabinet member for health and partnerships, said: “We hope this event will be well attended, both by members of the public and those with a specific interest in the NHS.

“I know many people have concerns about the plans – we will all rely on the NHS at some point in our lives, so the future of NHS services in Darlington is an issue that affects everyone.

“Members of the public are welcome to attend, not just those living in Darlington but people further afield in South Durham and North Yorkshire who feel they may be affected by the proposals.”

Darlington’s MP Jenny Chapman previously said she was pleased the authority would be scrutinising plans she believes would be “disastrous” for the town.

Anyone wishing to speak at the enquiry must register an interest in advance by emailing paul.dalton@darlington.gov.uk by Friday, February 10.

An online form has also been set up for people who are unable to attend the inquiry.

For more information, visit www.darlington.gov.uk/stpenquiry