BUILDING work on a hospital in the region should start in April, after approval from planners.
Two years ago it was feared that the dilapidated Horn Hall Hospital, Stanhope, County Durham, would close after it was found repairs would cost £750,000, but now a £1m building will replace it.
Wear Valley District Council gave plans the go-ahead at a meeting on Wednesday night and the 20-bed building should open in December next year.
The hospital provides long-term and respite care for elderly and convalescing patients from Weardale.
The new building will also house a physiotherapy service and an extended occupational therapy service.
Kevin Oxley, head of estates for South Durham Health Care NHS Trust, said: "We have now reached another important milestone on the way to building this much needed new hospital for the community of Stanhope and the dales.
"We are currently evaluating tenders and it is anticipated work will commence in April this year.
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