A merger between two Durham health trusts has been given the go-ahead despite claims that maternity services will suffer.

Health authority bosses have approved the merger between North Durham and South Durham health trusts.

The matter will now go to the Department of Health for final approval.

The most controversial aspect of the merger is the centralisation of maternity, gynaecology, and child health services in Darlington.

Merger opposed

The merger would mean maternity services at the �67m Bishop Auckland General Hospital will now be run by midwives with any cases which need a doctor present being transferred to Darlington.

The local community health council has said it is concerned about ambulance availability if a woman in labour has to be moved the 11 miles between the two units.

South Durham and Weardale Community Health Council, the patient watchdog body, has expressed concern about the move.

A statement said: "It appears that the Health Authority wishes to undermine one of the best services at Bishop Auckland General Hospital in favour of the one in Darlington, which has struggled to survive over many years."

But North Durham Health Care Trust has said the merger will create "a robust and vibrant future for hospitals in County Durham and Darlington".

'Way forward'

The merger is the result of a report by Professor Ara Darzi, a consultant at St Mary's Hospital, London, and Professor of Surgery at Imperial College.

In his report he said: "I believe that inter-dependence between these hospitals is the way forward.

"New linkages and cross fertilisation of skills should ensure patients get greater choice, enabling them to get faster access to treatments at a wider range of local hospitals and higher quality clinical care."

Health Secretary Alan Milburn will not be involved in the final decision because the Darlington maternity service is in his constituency.