The trust has ruled out the option of closing wards

The North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Trust has debts of more than �4m, and has a projected year-end shortfall of �6m.

Trust bosses say they have capped "non-essential" spending as well as putting a hold on new posts.

Acting chief executive Aiden Mullen says one of the main reasons for the cash crisis is a rise in the number of accident and emergency cases.

The Trusts two main hospitals in Hartlepool and Stockton, have both seen an increase in accident and emergency admissions.

Mr Mullen says action is needed to reduce spending at the trust - which saw a �250,000 overspend in January alone.

But he has ruled out closing wards at either of its main hospital sites.

He said: "The measures we are taking will not have an impact on our ability to deliver care to the level that we need to."