Tens of thousands of patients were waiting for routine treatment at South Tees Hospitals Trust in May, figures show.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) rated maternity services at the two hospitals, run by the South Tees Hospitals NHS Trust, following an inspection in August.

The question was posed as figures showed 296 patients had 12-hour waits in A & E in March this year – 23 for North Tees, 273 in South Tees, with most discharged while 37 needed a bed.

Health chiefs on Teesside are exploring the potential of merging services north and south of the Tees. Alan Downey, chair of South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said an idea to combine ...

Sue Page CBE, chief executive at South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “I am incredibly proud of all our staff. This achievement is a testament to their dedication and hard work.