A SPECIALIST unit to treat patients with bowel problems has been built in the North-East.

The £148,000 colorectal unit has opened at the University Hospital of North Tees, Stockton, and can treat patients with ailments from Crohn's disease and colitis to inflammatory bowel syndrome and bowel cancer.

About 500 patients a year are expected to use the facility, which will also treat people with bladder problems or patients who require regular colonic irrigation.

The unit includes a reception, a counselling room, a treatment room, and anal physiology laboratory, sluice room, office, showers and toilets.

A range of support, including counselling before and after treatment, will be offered to people going through testing, assessment, treatment and surgery