THE impact of the overnight closure of Stafford Hospital's A&E on nearby accident units is to be discussed at a meeting this week.

The 10pm to 8am Stafford Hospital A&E closure has been extended until mid-May following a meeting last week.

Now senior officials at the University Hospital of North Staffordshire have been invited to a meeting to explain how the Stafford closure has impacted on them.

The temporary Stafford shutdown has been caused by a shortage of doctors and although extra consultants have now been recruited there are still not enough junior medical staff to ensure a safe re-opening.

Meanwhile an estimated eight to 10 people a night are being diverted by ambulance to the A&E at the Hartshill complex.

Around half of them have needed admitting at a time when nearly 200 beds have been axed ready for the opening of the area's £400 million superhospital.

Mrs Bridgewater will address Thursday's meeting of Stoke-on-Trent City Council's adult and neighbourhoods scrutiny committee.

A report to the committee states: "The executives will be attending to give an update on the actions taken to mitigate the risks involved with the increase in A&E activity."