A NEW £250,000 entrance to one of the region's hospitals was opened yesterday.

South Durham Health Care NHS Trust chairman Paul Trippett performed the officially opening of the development, at Darlington Memorial Hospital.

The reception area will provide focal point for visitors and easy access to the hospital.

It is sited next to accident and emergency, and a separate entrance to this department will improve patient privacy.

A waiting area, the cashier's office, volunteers reception desk and WRVS shop are also in the new foyer.

Mr Trippett said: "Visitors to our hospital are often anxious or unsure, and we wanted to create a reception area that was both welcoming and practical.

"The end result is a light and spacious entrance, with friendly reception staff on hand to help with visitors' queries."

Plans are already under way to develop a staffed information area with touch screen facilities, enabling visitors to have easy access to the latest information about the hospital and its services.

The new entrance was funded through the NHS modernisation programme and is one of many projects in the trust's improvement programme.

Other projects include a ninth theatre at Darlington Memorial Hospital, due to be open at the beginning of next month, a new hospital in Bishop Auckland, due to open in early 2002, and the redevelopment of Sedgefield Community Hospital, with building work expected to start next April.