WORK has been completed on a new £1.1 million in-patient unit at St Teresa’s Hospice, in Darlington.

The facility replaces a unit which only had six beds, was one of the smallest in the UK and was frequently full.

Access by stretcher lift was only available to three of the six beds and the old building caused issues for staff controlling infections.

The new ground-floor, custom-built unit has addressed these issues by increasing the number of in-patient beds from six to ten en-suite rooms, which look out on to the hospice’s gardens.

As well as better accessibility and comfort for patients, the unit will have improved facilities for visitors.

The extension was built by Northallerton-based construction company Walter Thompson Ltd.

Ian Saye, site manager for Walter Thompson, said: “I hope the St Teresa’s team are happy with the job we’ve done - we’ve worked particularly closely with them and I’d like to thank them for their help and patience, and their friendly approach.

“Some of the lads working on the unit are from Darlington, so were well aware of the hospice and the inspirational work they do here. We wish them well with their continuing fundraising."

Jane Bradshaw, chief executive of the hospice, said: “We were delighted to work with a highly accomplished, family-run business such as Walter Thompson’s on this project and they have done their utmost to keep noise and disruption to a minimum. The site has been outstandingly clean and fuss free, and all of the personnel have been respectful of and interested in what we do here.

“The new ten-bed in-patient unit will benefit so many people in South Durham and North Yorkshire and we are all looking forward to it opening later this year.

"Fundraising is, of course, more important than ever and there are many opportunities for individuals or groups to support this project through donations towards equipment, fixtures and fitting, which I would be pleased to discuss with anyone at any time.”

While construction of the unit has been completed and a hand-over has taken place, the unit will not be open for patients until later this year, as fundraising to equip and furnish each room is ongoing.