NHS land being lined up to create a new private hospital in Littlemore looks like being sold to ease the financial pressure on the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre.

The Department of Health handed over three valuable sites to the specialist hospital, after hearing that consultants wanted to create a major private facility in Armstrong Road.

But a big question mark hangs over the £30m private hospital proposal near the former Littlemore Hospital, with the NOC saying it is ready to consider other options for the vacant land.

A group of orthopaedic consultants pressed for the creation of a private health facility with up to 40 beds and four operating theatres.

They said the facility could bring in valuable income to the NOC Trust and eventually provide services to the NHS as well as private patients.

But after a year of talks, the chief executive of the NOC said that she had still not received a firm proposal for a new private hospital.

And with no business plan available, the NOC is now ready to consider offers for the sites which could attract bids running into millions of pounds.

Chief executive Jan Fowler confirmed that the land had been viewed as surplus to the NHS requirements.

She said: "We will consider all options for the disposal of the land that will provide the best return for the local NHS. This could be by leasing or sale of the land."

Consultant orthopaedic surgeon Gavin Bowden, one of the senior figures behind the plan, said he still had not given up hope of a major new private facility at Littlemore.

He said: "We have always tried to work in partnership with the NOC and help them get out of the trouble they are in. It would be very much in their interest."