BRADFORD hospital chiefs have quashed claims that the city's oral surgery department may be set to close.

An anonymous note received by the Telegraph & Argus claimed a rumour was sweeping Bradford Royal Infirmary (BRI) saying the oral surgery department was on the verge of closure, after the resignation of three consultants left it struggling to cope with demand.

A spokesman for Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust responded by saying that while the service was facing "challenges in recruiting staff", the rumour was false, also stating that it was St Luke's hospital rather than BRI that housed the oral surgery department.

"There is no truth in the rumour that our oral surgery department is set to close," said the spokesman.

"Oral surgery is a very specialist service, and there are challenges in recruiting staff both in Bradford and nationally.

"However, we are working with our partners across the NHS to deliver a safe and effective service for the future."