A VISITOR from South America was in the region yesterday to find out more about setting up her own hospital.

The First Lady of Guyana, Uma Jagdeo, spent time at Darlington's Woodlands Hospital as part of a fact-finding trip to Britain to help her establish a charitable hospital in her home country.

Mrs Jagdeo was given a guided tour of the new private hospital by surgeon Charles Viva, who visited Guyana two months ago.

Mr Viva learnt about Mrs Jagdeo's children's charity, Kids First, during his trip and he was keen to show her around his workplace.

During her visit, Mrs Jagedo learnt about the latest practices and facilities available at Woodlands and was keen to find out as much as possible about health and welfare issues.

A spokeswoman for the hospital said: "Everyone at Woodlands Hospital is delighted that Mrs Jagdeo has chosen to come and see our facilities on her trip. It is an honour that we are seen as a hospital that she can learn from when setting up her own infirmary in Guyana."