News

First step for hospital project

Date: 05/11/2001

The first visible sign of what is to become a modern mental health hospital has appeared.

A large sign has been unveiled in Darlington's West Auckland Road, announcing the construction of a £15.8m mental health hospital to replace the town's outdated Pierremont unit.

Yesterday, the chairman of County Durham and Darlington Priority Services NHS Trust, Angela Ballati, visited the West Park site, near Faverdale Industrial Estate, to sign contracts with developer Bussey Armstrong Projects.

Scheduled to be built on reclaimed land as part of a private finance initiative, the 85 bed hospital will provide improved facilities, including private rooms for all patients.

Mrs Ballati said she was "absolutely delighted" that a hospital would be ready for occupation in 2004.

She assured patients and their carers that there was "no question" of running down the Pierremont unit until the new hospital is opened.
Councillor Bill Dixon, social services spokesman for Darlington Borough Council, said: "The council has been closely involved with the development of this exciting new project and it is important that we have good quality mental resources for Darlington people."

Publication: The Northern Echo

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