PROGRESS is being made on a multi-million pound in-patient unit at St Teresa’s Hospice, with detailed drawings been submitted by architects.

Planning permission for the ten-bed extension was granted by Darlington Borough Council in the summer and fundraising is now moving up a gear to ensure that building work gets underway.

Detailed plans have been submitted by Darlington-based Niven Architects and tenders will go out shortly on the building project, which is expected to take ten months.

The single storey building will be attached to the new Woodland Annexe forming a courtyard effect next to the main grade II-listed building in Woodland Road, Darlington.

In-patients will be able to enjoy en-suite ground floor rooms that open onto the garden, with the emphasis placed on ambiance and comfort and with necessary medical equipment cleverly hidden away, including a piped oxygen supply.

Tracked ceiling hoists will allow patients with mobility issues the chance to transfer easily from bed to bathroom for showers and a bariatric room.

Under-floor heating, ventilation and controllable mood lighting will also help create the perfect ambience for individuals.

The listed building will also remain a day centre for a host of activities, bereavement support and counselling.

Niven Architects director Simon Crowe said: “We have a long association with the hospice which looked after the practice founder Rob Niven when he was poorly.

“The Woodlands is such an important house for Darlington with a rich heritage and provenance.

“The challenge for us as designers was coming up with something that complemented the grade II listed building but added contemporary appeal and functionality.”

Hospice chief executive Jane Bradshaw said: “The original building is great but it has always thrown up challenges largely to do with the idiosyncrasies of being old.

“The new unit will allow our fantastic staff and volunteers to provide one-to-one care to more people in a lovely, accessible and well equipped setting absolutely free.”

St Teresa’s cares for poorly people in Darlington and the surrounding area and is staffed by 70 health professionals and countless volunteers.

Hospice officials are attempting to secure grants and are being supported with a business loan for the new building.

They are also hoping the general public will respond with donations which can be made at the hospice or at darlingtonhospice.org.uk