A walk-in medical centre in Darlington has moved a step closer after contractors handed over the keys to the town's primary care trust.
The launch of the nurse-led clinic is scheduled for the end of next month.
Residents will then be able to take advantage of a host of advice and treatments on a walk-in basis.
The centre will have facilities to treat minor illnesses and injuries. It is based in the ground floor of the trust's King Street headquarters, and it is expected to take the pressure off Darlington Memorial Hospital's casualty department and the town's over-stretched GPs.
Lorraine Tostevin, deputy director of primary care, said: "The building work is complete and we are now busy equipping the centre and recruiting and training staff in time for the launch early next year."
It is one of only three walk-in facilities in the North of England, the others are in Newcastle and York.
Health promotion teams will also offer services including stop smoking clinics, emergency contraception, a patient advice and liaison service, and healthy lifestyle information and advice.
Colin Morris, chief executive of Darlington Trust, said: "This is an extremely exciting project which will put Darlington on the healthcare map. It will be right in the heart of Darlington, making it accessible to everyone."
* Darlington Patient and Public Involvement Forum is holding a public meeting to give residents a say in the development of the centre.
It will take place on Tuesday, December 14, at 7pm, in the Dolphin Centre's Pepperpot Room.
A representative of the Trust will attend to answer questions.
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