PLANS for Sedgefield's new community hospital have reached an important stage.

South Durham Health Care NHS Trust has announced its preferred contractor for the £8m scheme, which is due to start early next year.

The Clugston Group has been given the go ahead to firm up its proposals for the hospital, which will be built on a green field site on the outskirts of the village.

A single-storey building will house clinical accommodation to meet modern standards of patient-centred care.

Innovative landscape designs will include gardens for patients to enjoy and secluded courtyards.

The new hospital will replace the existing 50-year-old building.

There will be 16 beds for patients referred by general practitioners, ten elderly care beds and 20 elderly mental health beds. There will also be provision for two day hospitals for elderly patients.

Plans include an extended x-ray department with an ultrasound service alongside facilities for existing outpatient and other services, including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, dietetics and foot care.

Paul Trippett, chairman of South Durham Health Care NHS Trust, said: "The plans for the long-awaited new community hospital at Sedgefield are now finally taking shape.

"We are looking forward to working with Clugston to build a modern facility that patients and staff can benefit from for many years to come."

Once detailed plans have been finalised they will be assessed by the regional office of the NHS Executive to ensure they offer best value for money.

If everything goes to plan, final approval is expected next March, and the hospital will open in April 2002.

Sandy Taylor, chief executive of County Durham and Darlington Priority Services NHS Trust, said: "This is a very significant and positive step for the provision of both mental health and elderly services in the Sedgefield area, and it is very much welcomed by this trust."

Dr Dinah Roy, chairman of Sedgefield Primary Care Group, said: "This community hospital will provide a focus for the best quality local health services for the people of Sedgefield and Sedgefield Primary Care Group welcomes the development."