"We only have one life – so live it well" is the message from health bosses ahead of the opening of a state-of-the-art medical centre.

The keys to the development in Park Road, Hartlepool, have been handed over just weeks before it officially opens in May.

The centre, built by Carillion, will be known as One Life Hartlepool after a competition was launched to come up with a suitable name.

It will house a pharmacy, respiratory unit for chronic chest problems, three GP practices, an assessment area for back and leg problems, a podiatric unit, dedicated dental suites and an audiology clinic.

An additional wing is also being constructed to house a day surgery facility and a minor injuries unit to treat cuts, bruises, breaks and sprains.

This is planned to open later in the year.

Ali Wilson, director of health systems and estates development for NHS Hartlepool, said: "I am delighted that we have reached this key milestone in the development of a new health care system for Hartlepool.

"It is a fantastic facility that all the residents of Hartlepool will benefit from.

"One Life Hartlepool is the first piece of the Momentum Pathways to Healthcare Programme jigsaw which is bringing care right into the centre of our local community."

The handover comes just days after it was announced that a £464m state-of-the-art hospital is to be built at Wynyard Park, on the outskirts of Hartlepool.

The new hospital is the focal point of a health masterplan to improve services for people of the town and neighbouring areas.

The momentum: pathways to healthcare project has three key elements.

These are a series of projects to look at which services can be moved from hospital into the community or even into people's homes, a number of integrated care centres and enhanced GP premises and the new hospital at Wynyard, which is due to open in 2015.

The winning name was put forward by Hartlepool nurse Jane Ingles.
The dedicated nurse won six months gym membership at the Life Centre at High Tunstall School of Science, which she has decided to donate to Hartlepool and District Hospice.

Steve Wallace, chairman of NHS Hartlepool, said: "We received a number of suggestions for the new centre.

"We chose One Life Hartlepool because it emphasises the importance of looking after your health.

"We all only get one life so we should make sure we live it well."