Teesside hospital talks put on hold

A North East healthcare project has faced a setback after planned discussions over a new hospital were cancelled, raising concerns about future investment.

Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen had been due to meet health secretary Wes Streeting to discuss proposals for a replacement hospital for Teesside.

The talks were intended to explore options for new health services, including replacing the ageing University Hospital of North Tees in Stockton.

However, the meeting was cancelled due to parliamentary commitments today (April 20), which the mayor has described as a “slap in the face” to patients and NHS staff.

The cancellation follows repeated attempts by the mayor to secure talks, having written to the health secretary 15 times since 2024.

Mayor Houchen, who made an election pledge in 2024 to deliver a new hospital for the people of Teesside,said: “It’s incredibly frustrating and disappointing that the Health Secretary is prioritising supporting the Prime Minister as he is dragged to the House to explain his car crash of a decision to appoint Epstein’s mate.

“While they navigate the line between incompetence and outright dishonesty, it is local people in Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool who lose out.

“The fight for our new hospital will go on - even if it has to be with a new PM and Health Secretary.”

The proposed development aims to address long-standing issues at the existing hospital, which requires significant maintenance and investment to remain operational.

Concerns have been raised about the condition of the current facility, with ongoing repair costs estimated at up to £10 million a year, as the building suffers from leaking roofs and windows, broken ceiling panels and freezing pipes.

Mayor Houchen added: “It is clear to everyone that action needs to be taken as soon as possible to deliver a new hospital. 

“I have a plan and I want to get on and deliver.

“However, the lack of interest from this Government is a slap in the face for every patient needing vital treatment and each hard-working member of NHS staff forced to work in sub-standard conditions.

“The Government need to reinstate this meeting so we can move forward now and stop wasting time.”

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