A NEW book on the history of a North-East hospital will be launched next week.

The original Sedgefield Community Hospital, in County Durham, was built as an emergency military hospital in 1941 and was expected to have a working life of ten years.

But it remained open until July 2002, when patients and staff transferred to a new community hospital. Local author Bob Abley, a former employee, has compiled a comprehensive history of the 61 years the former hospital was open.

The book features memories and stories contributed by former staff and patients.

The book will be launched at the new Sedgefield Community Hospital's open day on Sunday, November 2, held between 2pm and 5pm. Mr Abley will be available to sign copies of the book, which will be on sale for £9.99.

The original idea for the book came from Kath Vasey, head of nursing and community services for Sedgefield Primary Care Trust (PCT).

She said: "When I first took up post in the old community hospital at Sedgefield, I became involved in the development of plans and services for the new hospital.

"Having had a personal interest in local history I was keen to learn more about the origins of the old hospital and realised how important it was to capture in some way the social history before it diasppeared forever."

She added: "It was whilst I was meeting with Durham County library department that I noticed a collection of local history books, one of which was the story of Winterton Hospital.

"This spurred me on to organise the history of Sedgefield Community Hospital.

"By chance I met Bob Adley, who kindly agreed to compile the book and I would like to thank Bob for bringing my idea to life."