STAFF at York Hospital are facing the threat of redundancy after it was revealed a testing service would no longer be done in the city.

Around 30 jobs are at risk in the Cervical Cytology department after NHS England awarded the contract to another site.

The department is responsible for analysing smear tests for women across North Yorkshire and has done so for the last 16 years.

However, York Hospital has confirmed to The Press they have lost the service and the move will take effect from April 1, 2017 The location of the new facility has not been disclosed.

York Press:

A spokeswoman said: "Following a recent procurement exercise undertaken by NHS England, we have been told that we have lost the service to an alternative provider, with effect from 1 April 2017.

"We are very disappointed to have lost the contract to provide this essential service, and we are in discussions with NHS England over the implications."

The Press has learned that staff will be offered the chance to move into the new department, but those unable or unwilling to re-locate will be offered redundancy.