HEALTH bosses say the opening of a £7m mental health hospital is an example of how part of the North-East is enjoying the lion's share of health investment in the region.

After unveiling a plaque at the Auckland Park Hospital, in Bishop Auckland, County Durham, Ken Jarrold, chief executive of County Durham and Tees Valley Strategic Health Authority, said the development was a big step forward for the area.

He said: "In recent years, we have had the biggest capital development of any health authority in the North-East.

We have new hospitals in Bishop Auckland, Durham, Sedgefield and Chester-le-Street. Now we have this magnificent facility."

As part of the modernisation of services for older people with mental health problems, the former maternity unit was gutted, extended and refurbished to provide modern facilities.

The hospital, which replaces outdated facilities elsewhere, has 52 single rooms, each with en-suite facilities.

It has separate wards for people suffering from dementia and those with other forms of illness, such as depression.

The hospital is also the base for community nurses, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, psychologists and social workers.

Sandy Taylor, chief executive of County Durham and Darlington Priority Services Trust, which will manage the hospital, said: "The transformation has been astounding. Our patients and staff now have the hospital they deserve."

Some rooms are equipped with infrared sensors that automatically turn on lights and alert a nurse if someone gets out of bed during the night.

Gary Thompson, a senior nurse, said: "The comfort level for the patients is unbelievable."

Malcolm Allen, a charge nurse, said: "We now have better facilities than in the private sector.