MEDICAL services in a north Durham town will be boosted as a health centre expands.

Derwentside Primary Care Trust (PCT) is investing hundreds of thousands of pounds redeveloping Stanley Health Centre, which will provide services for the whole of the mining town.

The trust wants residents' views on services it offers now and what they want to see in the future.

Wynn Griffiths, chief executive of the trust, said: "Derwentside Primary Care Trust is committed to modernising and improving local health services and looking at ways to ensure the continued development of our health services, by listening to the views of our partner organisations and local people."

The PCT wants to expand services in the Stanley area, treating more patients and taking the strain off local hospitals. It could mean that the centre, currently based in Clifford Road in the town, will be relocated.

The building, a designated Primary Care Resource Centre, will offer facilities that could include GPs and clinics for coronary heart disease and diabetes.

It could also offer minor surgery and pharmacist-led clinics for patients with blood clotting problems.

The trust is holding a public meeting in the Lamplight Arts Centre in Front Street, Stanley, on Tuesday, September 2, at 6.30pm.

PCT bosses will outline the project and appeal for residents to join a project board.

This will look at possible locations in the town centre for the building and the options for services available.

Mr Griffiths said: "We want local people to help us determine the future shape of healthcare in the Stanley area. The Stanley Health Centre will be a valuable resource for the PCT in helping to improve access to health services locally.

"But to maximise its potential, we feel it requires significant levels of investment in order to meet the needs of modern health care that the people of Stanley deserve.

"The PCT believes that seeking local views now will help shape the pattern of local healthcare at the health centre in the future."