The Mail reported last week on proposals to close accident and emergency services at the University Hospital of Hartlepool after being contacted by concerned workers.

Hospital chiefs are proposing to move services to a minor injuries unit at the Park Road health centre, which is feared to be as early as October.

But on the day the story appeared, staff were sent an email from the deputy chief executive of the North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, Carole Langrick, saying it is "disappointing and regrettable that some members of staff decided to contact the Hartlepool Mail anonymously" and reminding workers "that contacting the media direct is a disciplinary issue".

>> What the email said...

Greatham independent councillor Geoff Lilley, who is a member of Hartlepool Borough Council's health scrutiny committee, said: "I don't see anything wrong with people in the system making sure that people who use the system are aware of what's going on.

"I think it's disgraceful that they have been told not to talk and told they could face disciplinary action.

"It would be better if they were upfront and honest."

Ms Langrick said: "Like most organisations we have a policy about contacting the media – and this policy applies to all groups of staff – because we want the opportunity to work through plans with staff and consult with them properly before any decisions are finally made and become public.

"I can't speak for private companies, but in public services we are obliged to look at various options from doing nothing to the opposite extreme and to think through the risks, implications and costs of each option before any decision is made.

"These options are developed by the senior doctors, nurses and managers in charge of the services. Many of the options come to nothing and therefore when rumours are abound staff are inclined to pick up on the worst case scenario and become anxious and concerned.

"I wrote to staff last Tuesday setting out the situation because it is insulting for staff to read about aspects of their own services and how it affects them in the local newspaper without being afforded the courtesy of some communication from the trust first.

"It simply isn't fair for some staff to conduct this type of exchange because it causes unnecessary concern among the public, patients and staff.

"The place for staff to go if they have questions and concerns is to their manager."