A COMMUNITY hospital in Weardale where there are plans for a major extension is setting up a friends group to give patients extra support.

The Friends Of Weardale Community Hospital are being launched in Stanhope Masonic Hall on Friday with around 20 people committed to raising cash from businesses, community groups and other donors.

The extra money will help buy furniture and patient comforts for the hospital where there are plans for a new two-storey wing.

The group’s chairwoman Councillor Anita Savory has already devoted many hours to raising funds for the hospital which specialises in palliative care.

Modern matron Julie Walton said: "We have raised a lot of money ourselves and Anita has been wonderful.

"As other community hospitals in the area, such as Sedgefield, have Friends groups attached to them we decided to set up one of our own.

"The hospital is getting more and more busy and nurses need to focus on caring for patients."

Durham Dales Primary Care Trust replaced Stanhope’s Horn Hall, which opened in 1900, with the new £1m hospital in 2002 after it emerged £750,000 was needed to bring the building up to standard.

Today, staff offer long-term and respite care for elderly and convalescing patients, as well as physiotherapy and occupational therapy services.

There are beds for 20 patients but Ms Walton says demand is growing, particularly for multiple sclerosis (MS) care and outreach services.

Nurses will soon provide a day care service which will help stroke and MS patients and people recovering from car accidents.

Ms Walton said services will be developed in consultation with Weardale residents, adding: "We have got a lot of plans but it will be a matter of taking it one step at a time, seeing what the dale requires and working with the community."

Tickets for Friday’s event are £10 on 01388-528233 or 01388-527594.

Supper and entertainment are included.