THE future of health services in a north Durham town will be decided at a meeting next week.

Derwentside Primary Care Trust (PCT) is investing hundreds of thousands of pounds redeveloping Stanley Health Centre to provide GP services for the town.

It aims to expand facilities so more services can be provided locally, reducing the number of patients having to travel to hospital for consultations and treatment.

After public consultation last year, the PCT has come up with several options for the site of the centre, and what it could offer.

The trust is holding a public meeting to ask residents for their views on the final scheme.

Wynn Griffiths, chief executive, said: "The Stanley Health Centre will be a valuable resource for the PCT in helping to improve access to health services locally.

"But to maximise its potential, we feel it requires significant levels of investment in order to meet the needs of modern healthcare that the people of the Stanley area deserve.

"The PCT believes that seeking local views has been, and will continue to be, vital in helping to shape the pattern of local healthcare at the health centre for the future."

The building will offer facilities that could include GPs and clinics for coronary heart disease and diabetes.

It could also offer minor surgery and pharmacist-led clinics for patients with blood clotting problems.

The preferred option is to rebuild and expand the current Stanley health centre, in Clifford Road.

Other options will see a new building constructed elsewhere.

The trust is holding a public meeting in the Lamplight Arts Centre, in Front Street, Stanley, at 6.30pm next Monday.

PCT bosses will outline the different options available and ask for residents' opinions.

Mr Griffiths said: "The involvement of local people in this project has been extremely valuable in helping to develop options for the future shape of healthcare in the Stanley area, and we look forward to their continued involvement as we look at the options available."

For further information about the meeting, contact Verna Fee, at the PCT, on (01207) 594459.