Health officials are appealing for help as they develop a day unit which will allow people to be treated in their own homes rather than in hospital.

The public has until November 14 to help Darlington Primary Care Trust (PCT) shape plans for the Hundens Lane facility.

The PCT is hoping to provide a one-stop shop for older people in Darlington and the unit could also become home to clinical teams of nurses, therapists, pharmacists, health and social care workers as well as an occupational therapy team.

The unit is at the heart of plans to keep people in their own homes and reduce the number of people waiting to be discharged from hospital. "We will be working in partnership with social services to provide the best possible intermediate care to stop people going into hospital," said Viv Nelson, Darlington PCT Estates and Corporate Services manager.

"We are in the process of consulting staff, service users and user groups and this is also the chance for the public to have their say."

Facilities could include having occupational therapy, physiotherapy, chiropody and community equipment services based at the Hundens Lane unit.

The PCT's director of primary care Carole Harder said: "The initial consultation process will include providers, voluntary agencies, users and carers and the first stage is due to end mid November.

"The views of the public are very important. The feedback we receive will help us draw up a draft proposal on which we will again consult to make sure we get it right."

Anyone wanting their say on the services and facilities that could be based at Hundens Lane should contact Viv Nelson at Darlington Primary Care Trust, Valley Street North, Darlington, Co Durham DL1 1TJ or email viv.nelson@darlingtonpct.nhs.uk or via the website at www.darlingtonpct.com or by telephone on (01325) 744709.