PATIENTS and their families are to have their wishes taken into account when plans are drawn up for a £4.8 million improvement project at a hospital and health centre.

Three private companies have been chosen from a short list of six to supply designs for the improvements at the 62-bed Richardson Hospital in Barnard Castle.

Each has been told to include features requested by long-term patients and relatives.

They will also pay attention to opinions from the public, local family doctors, staff, social services and the League of Friends.

John Moran, nurse facilitator for the Durham Dales Primary Care Trust, said: "We have received valuable points of view from all these people and feel it essential that they should be included in the new plans.

"For instance, they were all keen that facilities should be included for people with mental health problems, and that there should be much more provision for out-patients. We will ensure that these wishes are met."

Mr Moran said there will be so many improvements that it will be almost a new hospital.

The three companies will submit designs before the end of this year. One will be selected for building work due to start next spring.

The project is a joint venture with the private sector, with funding through the Government's Local Investment Finance Trust programme. Andrew Kenworthy, chief executive of the primary care trust, said: "The hospital is a valuable resource in helping to improve access to health services locally. It is a much-loved community hospital providing high quality health care.

"But the current range of health care is restricted by the physical infrastructure. The new facility will help us meet the needs of modern health care without compromising the level of service."

As well as new outpatient services and two better equipped wards, the hospital will have integrated health and social care for elderly people, new rehabilitation services to enable a speedier return home, GP beds, therapy services, palliative care and improved access.