THE major redevelopment of the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton has moved another step closer.

Work on the £18m project is expected to start in the summer after the South Tees NHS Trust chose Interserve Project Services as its construction partner.

The multi-million pound redevelopment will create a high quality, patient orientated environment at the hospital, with modern services and equipment for patients and staff and more accessible accommodation.

When it is completed, the hospital will have a new children's ward, outpatients unit, women's health department, pathology unit and kitchens, plus a refurbished maternity department and day-case/endoscopy unit.

The contract for the work is the first to be awarded in the national NHS ProCure 21 programme, which is a £7 billion, five-year scheme to deliver better quality healthcare buildings and improved value for money in services.

Contractor Interserve Project Services was involved in the pilot programme, in the North and West Midlands last year.

The £13m contract with South Tees Hospitals NHS Trust covers the design and construction of new buildings as well as the refurbishment of existing buildings at the Friarage.

John Vyse, Interserve Plc director, said: "Having won the first contract in the pilot scheme, it is great that we've had the same success in the national programme.

"The new Friarage Hospital will provide a valuable service to the local population and we are proud to be making it possible."

Planning officers at Hambleton District Council gave the project the go-ahead in December and work is expected to be completed in the summer of 2006.

Building work will be carried out various phases, with departments moving into their new homes as new services are created.

Assistant director of facilities and planning at South Tees NHS Trust, Margaret McGloin said: "The new facilities will allow us to provide the highest standards of care and comfort for patients in a modern and welcoming environment.

"Extensive consultation has already taken place with staff from all of the departments involved in the redevelopment, to develop the design and these consultations will continue during the course of the construction."