A MULTI-million pound health facility is taking shape on Teesside.

Four GP practices are opening the doors to their premises, as the first stage of the North Ormesby Health Village, which will serve more than 20,000 patients in Middlesbrough, is completed.

The second phase, which will include speech and language therapy, physiotherapy, podiatry, consulting and treatment rooms, is expected to be completed by November.

Other planned services for the site include a pharmacist, optometrist and dental services. Further health and social care services are being considered for a third phase.

Ann O'Hanlon, chairman of Middlesbrough Primary Care Trust, said: "This flagship development is the result of four years planning to ensure we provide health services that meet future demands.

"It will make a significant impact in providing quality health services to improve the health of the people of this community".

Doctors Chaudhry, Adebayo, Mukhopadhyay and Prasad, formerly based in the North Ormesby area, have now moved into the £12m development, adjacent to North Ormesby market square.

The Medical Property Fund financed the development.