Work begins on new hospital
Construction work has begun on a new hospital at Ryhope
The development is part of a £68 million investment by the Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust to improve patient accommodation.
As part of the project a new 122 bed mental health hospital will be built to replace the old Cherry Knowle hospital, and a 24 bed dementia care unit constructed at Monkwearmouth Hospital for Sunderland and South Tyneside residents.
The Mayor of Sunderland attended an official turf cutting ceremony earlier this afternoon to celebrate the work beginning.
More top news
Police warn stalking can end in death
Northumbria Police say stalking is grossly under-reported, because victims do not realise how serious it can be.
UKIP leader on North East campaign trail
Nigel Farage met voters in Yarm as part of the build-up to European and local elections on 22nd May
Revolutionary breast cancer drug "too expensive"
A new life-extending breast cancer drug trialled in the North East, is deemed too expensive for the NHS.