A CLINIC that repairs NHS hearing aids is to open its doors for an extra session a week.

The clinic, at Shotley Bridge Hospital, is to replace its existing Thursday afternoon session with sessions on Tuesdays, from 1.30pm to 4pm, and on Fridays, from 9am to noon.

Hearing aid wearers from Derwentside can also use the clinic at the University Hospital of North Durham.

Joanne Close, hearing services manager at County Durham and Darlington Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, said: "We believe that this new arrangement, which starts in January, offers improved access to hearing aid services.

"It is important that people do not come on Thursdays after January, as there will be no facilities to help them on that day.

"You do not need an appointment for either of these new sessions, but please bring your record book with you when you come."

For more details, ring the audiology department at the University Hospital of North Durham on 0191-333 2305 or textphone 0191-333 2741.