The new facility has 44 beds

The new community hospital at Chester-le-Street is being opened following an 18-month building programme.

It has been built under the controversial Private Finance Initiative scheme.

The 8,500 square metre development provides a new healthcare facility with 44 beds.

The hospital has 40 in-patient beds, four palliative care beds, an elderly day hospital for 24 patients and a range of out-patient clinics, including radiology, dentistry, podiatry and speech and language therapies.

There is also a 12-place physiotherapy treatment unit and gym, as well as a new children's centre, which will provide services currently offered at Chester-le-Street Health Centre.

The children's centre will include a speech and language therapy centre, audio and sensory facilities and will be a base for school nurses working in the area.

PFI consortium

Two North East Ambulance Service ambulances will also be based on the site.

There is an open reception area with seating and a pharmacy and there is also an open courtyard with landscaped areas and an ornamental pond.

Builders from Robertson Construction moved on to the site last year and started by demolishing the original hospital before constructing the new building.

The PFI development has been delivered by a consortium led by Robertson Capital Projects and including the Bank of Scotland and Quayle Munro PFI Fund LLP.

The consortium has undertaken the work on behalf of County Durham and Darlington Acute Hospitals NHS Trust in a 30-year contract.

Robertson Facilities Management will be providing a range of services, including catering, portering, estates maintenance and domestic services.