AN MP has condemned an NHS trust over it closing a hospital for terminally-ill patients after failing to find nurses to run it.

Thirsk and Malton MP Kevin Hollinrake said it was vital that South Tees NHS Trust reopened the Lambert Memorial Hospital, in Thirsk, as it played a pivotal role in the community and eased pressure on general hospitals in the region.

Concerns over the hospital's future have mounted since September, when the trust removed equipment and transferred patients shortly after announcing there were insufficient nurses to run its 14-bed ward, which provides end of life care for patients, general rehabilitation, diagnostics and drug administration.

He said: "Everyone is worried that this is closure by stealth.

"Their excuse that they can't find enough staff to make it safe is not acceptable.

"We know the vacancies hadn't been advertised locally until very recently."

Mr Hollinrake said health minister Ben Gummer had received advice from NHS England that it wanted to maintain the infirmary, the future of which the trust claims has been uncertain for nearly a decade.

After twice writing to the trust to ask about its plans for the Chapel Street infirmary, Mr Hollinrake criticised its leaders for failing to provide details.

"We are not getting answers, this trust should be accountable to local people."

A trust spokeswoman said: "“It would be wrong and misleading to suggest the trust is not making every effort to fill vacant nursing posts and re-open the ward – however this is entirely dependent on successful recruitment and nurses choosing to work there.”