HEALTH bosses have unveiled a new bus service to a north Durham community hospital.

The new service to Shotley Bridge Community Hospital in Shotley Bridge, near Consett, means that patients and visitors to he hospital can now be dropped off and picked up from outside of the outpatients department within the grounds of the hospital.

The GoAhead bus service V3, V4 and V9 and Weardale’s 773 will begin to use the new stop from tomorrow (Sunday January 25).

There will be four buses every hour during weekday day times - including Saturdays - and two buses every hour during evenings and Sundays.

Shotley Bridge Hospital Support Group welcomed the changes to services.

Their group chairman Marion Ward, said: "I am sure patients and visitors will welcome the new bus shelter and road layout changes as the walk from bus stop to hospital is now just a few steps away rather than 400 yards. "

Derwentside District Council leader, Alex Watson, said he felt sure it would be a great help to the older patients who use both the hospital and the nearby Queen’s Road Surgery, especially during the winter months.

He added: "I am sure most Derwentside residents will see this as £20,000 well spent and it’s a big thank you to the bus company, Durham County Council and our local health trusts that have helped to make this happen because these things are never as simple as just dropping a bus stand into place."

Anyone wanting further information on the new services can contact Traveline on 0871 200 22 33 or www.traveline.info