THE architect behind a new £8.1m hospital being built in Darlington has unveiled his innovative plans for the design of the building.

The 42-bed independent Woodlands Hospital, scheduled for completion in the summer of 2001, will feature the very latest revolutions in hospital design and medical technology.

Architect Michael Corbett, of Halifax based Michael Corbett Architects, has openly challenged the established wisdom of hospital design after consulting health professionals across the country.

Mr Corbett said the fact he has not designed a hospital before was inspiration in itself as it presented a blank canvas for the innovation of new ideas and concepts.

"I spent quite a time speaking to health professionals at every level from consultants, to nurses and cleaners, to make sure common hospital design faults were not repeated," he said.

Design features include specially conceived operating theatres that reduce contamination risk, larger than average bedrooms allowing instant access to emergency equipment and corridor corners that have been rounded to prevent unnecessary wear and tear.

The Woodlands Hospital will house two operating theatres, a high dependency unit, an out patients unit, as well as MRI scanning facilities.

The two-storey hospital has been designed to give the best use of space and to ensure that patients feel relaxed while recovering from their ill health. An atrium ceiling on the ward allows patients to benefit from the therapeutic effects of daylight while enjoying views of the surrounding countryside.

Mr Corbett, who has been working on the design concept for over three years, said he employed a bottom up approach to the project.

"I'm very lucky to have the pleasure of working for an enlightened client.

"My core concepts have not been compromised by budgetary constraints," he said.

The hospital is being built by Yorkshire based Totty Construction.

"Woodlands Hospital represents a ground breaking contract for Totty Construction," said marketing director, Terry Cook.

"We are delighted to be involved in such a worthwhile project.

"The design of the hospital is revolutionary and Totty is building up a reputation for translating innovative and cutting edge design concepts into a reality.