New hospital moves a step closer

Plans for a new £21m mental health hospital for the north of County Durham have been unveiled.

The hospital will be built on the outskirts of Durham City to replace the outdated County Hospital in Durham and the Allensford Ward at Shotley Bridge.

The development has been given the go-ahead by Derwentside, Durham and Chester le Street primary care trusts.

Now plans will go to County Durham and Tees Valley Strategic Health Authority for final approval.

A spokeswoman for Derwentside and Durham Primary Care Trust said: "The hospital has been designed to provide a safe, homely and therapeutic environment for people experiencing mental health problems.

"It will provide inpatients beds as well as a range of other services."