THE Richardson Hospital in Barnard Castle has seen many changes ranging from a private residence to a military hospital.

However, the £6.5m plan to redevelop it, which was given planning approval yesterday, is possibly the most important stage in its history as National Health Service (NHS) bosses say this latest development will ensure its future use for another generation of Teesdale residents

The redevelopment of the community hospital has been described as the biggest health investment in Teesdale, since the founding of the NHS.

Christina Haworth, director of nursing and patient services for the trust, said: "Basically the old building wasn't future proof and wasn't suitable for modern health care.

"Many trusts are closing their community hospitals but we feel that they are perhaps even more important than they ever were.

"Particularly in rural areas we feel it is very important to get services out to where people live.

"This will ensure it is there for the next twenty years."

Initially, the trust planned to redevelop the present hospital buildings.

However, health and safety fears and the likelihood of increased costs made this option impractical.

Therefore, the new hospital will be on the site of the Barnard Castle health centre and mortuary, with all the services in one building.

The Richardson Hospital, which stands on the corner of John Street and Victoria Road, in Barnard Castle, was originally known as Starlings and was a private residence belonging to local landowner Robert Taylor Richardson.

In 1932, Mr Richardson bequeathed the building to the people of Barnard Castle.

During the Second World War, it was a military hospital and after the war it was a convalescent home and became known as the Richardson Hospital.

The hospital buildings are owned by the Trustees of the Richardson Hospital and it is managed by the primary care trust.

Ms Howarth added: "It is a bit of an anomaly as in 1948 nearly all buildings like it were passed to the NHS.

"But I do think something of the ethos of Mr Richardson passed on to it and it is known throughout the town and Teesdale that it is there for their use.

"It will still be called the Richardson and we feel that the new hospital must be carried on in the same ethos."

The development has been financed through the government's Local Investment Finance Trust (Lift) scheme, which aims to improve the infrastructure of hospitals.

Work to demolish the old health centre will begin in the near future and work on the new hospital is expected to start in August and be completed in December next year.