A HEALTH trust has been awarded just under half a million pounds as part of its drive to cut hospital waiting times and im-prove services.
The South Durham Health Care NHS Trust's has been given £462,000 from the Department of Health's modernisation fund.
The cash will be used to improve access to coronary heart disease services, orthopaedic surgery, urology and general surgery.
Around £150,000 will be used to relocate the cardio pulmonary service at Darlington Memorial Hospital. The new, larger accommodation will enable the service to expand and be able to respond to the increasing number of patients who are referred for tests.
A further £160,000 will be invested in orthopaedic equipment at Bishop Auckland General and Darlington Memorial Hospitals, intended to strengthen local services in shoulder replacement.
Two digital image intensifiers will also be purchased to support orthopaedics, urology and general surgery at Darlington Memorial.
Ann Farrar, head of planning and service development, said: "This money is a great boost for local health care services. We are committed to reducing waiting times and these schemes will make a real difference."
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