FEARS that a £4.8m scheme to improve a rural community hospital could lead to it being used as an overspill for Darlington Memorial Hospital have been dismissed by health chiefs.

Members of Teesdale District Council raised concerns yesterday that the Richardson Hospital, in Barnard Castle, could end up as simply a way to alleviate bed blocking in Darlington.

The comments followed a presentation by Andrew Kenworthy, chief executive of the Durham Dales Primary Care Trust, which had responsibility for the Richardson Hospital transferred to it from the South Durham NHS Trust in April.

During a meeting of the district council, Councillor Robin Simpson said: "What people love about the Richardson is the level of care they receive at the hospital.

"But what I want to know is whether it will be primarily used for the people of Darlington, or will be mainly just overspill from Darlington?"

Councillor Jo Fergus said: "All of the councillors here are from Teesdale, but as part of the consultation process there will be a public meeting held in Darlington to help shape the future of the Richardson.

"Why do we have to consult Darlington on its future?"

Mr Kenworthy said the Durham Dales Primary Care Trust was working closely with other primary care trusts in the area, and that some patients would be from Darlington, as was the case at present.

He said: "We have to work closely with other PCTs and we have to look after people within the NHS.

"There are a number of people from Darlington who use the Richardson Hospital, and in the future, if there is little space in Darlington, then we are there to help."

There will be public meetings at the Dolphin Centre, in Darlington, today, in Witham Hall, next Wednesday, and in Evenwood Community Centre on November 11. They will be held between 7pm and 8.30pm.