Yorkshire-based York House Construction has completed construction of a £6.5m extension programme at Middleton St George Hospital, near Darlington.

The contractors have completed two new units and an extension at the hospital, part of a project which will see its capacity increased by 61 beds and the creation of more than 200 jobs. The new additions will provide the only specialist facilities for a women's unit throughout Yorkshire and the North-East, as well a secure psychiatric base.

Hospital owners, Affinity Healthcare, appointed York House Construction on the project which began in February 2006. Completion of the fit-out is scheduled in the coming weeks.

The hospital's manager, Linda Stephens said: "The completion of the new units marks an important milestone in the development, not just of the hospital, but of mental healthcare facilities in the North.

"The jobs that will be created will make the hospital one of the biggest employers in the area and the new facilities represent a real improvement in the services we are able to offer."

Andy Bruce, managing director of York House Construction, said: "This has been a challenging and rewarding project for us. The provision of this type of facility requires immense care and precision during construction and we believe that we have delivered a truly first class project."