A COUNTY Durham health trust is stepping up the fight against cancer.

More than £300,000 is being invested by South Durham Health Care NHS Trust on equipment for the early detection of the disease.

Three ultrasound machines will be installed at two of the trust's sites - two scanners at Bishop Auckland General Hospital and the other at Darlington Memorial Hospital.

Hospital officials say the advanced scanning equipment will reduce waiting times for inpatients and outpatients, and enhance the existing service offered to patients in the area.

The drive to catch the illness in its early stages has been sparked by raised public awareness of cancer and changes to cancer services, which has led to an increase in demand for ultrasound scans.

In South Durham, referrals have risen by more than 20 per cent since 1996 and are expected to increase by a further eight per cent over the next year.

Clinical director of radiology, Dr Liz Dillon, said: "Early diagnosis is vital in the treatment of cancer.

"Demand on our ultrasound service continues to increase. This new equipment will enable us to meet these demands whilst ensuring that all our patients receive their scans and diagnoses quickly and efficiently."

The trust is also hoping to embark on a £115,000 scheme to create an integrated library at Darlington Memorial Hospital.

Provisional approval has been given for the project, which will provide study areas and a separate integrated information and resource room.

The development will greatly improve study facilities for medical and nursing staff and students.

Plans are also being drawn up to offer this service to family doctors and staff from County Durham Health Authority.

Director of personnel, Angela Lamb, said: "Lifelong learning is key to today's NHS, and we actively encourage and support our staff in their personal development. The new library, with its improved facilities, will provide an ideal environment for personal study."

Bishop Auckland General Hospital is also undergoing widespread building works as the £67m hospital project is being built