DELAYED work to refurbish a hospital has restarted.

The £4m project to refurbish Guisborough Primary Care Hospital was paused earlier this year due to the impact of Covid-19.

The NHS Tees Valley Clinical Commissioning Group has confirmed work has re-started.

The plan has to revamp the health facility in Church Lane has been on the cards since 2016 but has faced a number of delays ­– most recently the pandemic.

David Gallagher, chief officer of NHS Tees Valley Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) said: “We are really pleased that work has re-started on the Guisborough Primary Care Hospital redevelopment, following a delay due to the impact of COVID. 

"Contractors will be on site before Christmas, with work starting in earnest in the New Year.

“We are looking forward to seeing the development take shape, working closely with our partners to provide primary care services in a modern healthcare environment.”

Work includes the demolition of a link corridor and the introduction of a new single-storey extension housing the main entrance and waiting area in the approximate location of the existing entrance into the Priory building.

The building is being further refreshed with new windows, window reveal detailing and enhanced site landscaping.

All outpatient clinics that currently operate from the site will be re-provided in fit-for-purpose accommodation in the refurbished building.

It is proposed that the refurbished building will continue to be open five days a week, with some evening clinics proposed for some services.

Simon Clarke, the MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, welcomed the news. 

He said: "It’s fantastic to see the recommencement of renovation work at Guisborough Primary Care Hospital.

"This is a hugely exciting £4 million improvement programme for a much-loved community asset.

“The redevelopment at Guisborough Hospital was unfortunately impacted by the coronavirus pandemic which led to a pause in work earlier this year. 

"I understand only too well how frustrating that pause was for the many people who benefit from the services provided at the hospital. 

“But with work now underway however, we can look forward to completion in 2021.  

"This will ensure key services can continue to be delivered close to home for the people of Guisborough and East Cleveland. That is great news and I want to be the first to welcome it."