IT would appear that within certain parts of the South Tees Hospital Trust the left hand is not aware of what the right hand is capable of.

Either that or they are trying to make statistics show that some services are only needed at the James Cook University Hospital.

Several times in the last few years they have tried to get me to attend James Cook for services that are available at the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton. They have also tried to get me to attend hospital for services that are available at my local medical practice. My experience of both the Friarage and the Leyburn Medical Practice is that they are second to none.

I would urge all residents of North Yorkshire to demand treatment at the nearest suitable establishment otherwise everything will be located in Middlesbrough, much to our disadvantage.

Terry Jowle, Leyburn