MAJOR improvements to Beccles Hospital have been given the green light with new rooms and facilities expected to be complete by the end of next summer.

MAJOR improvements to Beccles Hospital have been given the green light with new rooms and facilities expected to be complete by the end of next summer.

NHS Great Yarmouth and Waveney's board approved a business case for investing in “significant improvements” at Beccles Hospital at a meeting on Wednesday.

The primary care trust (PCT) will now begin a tendering process to appoint a developer, with the project due to start no later than January 2010, and be complete by the end of the summer.

Waveney District Council has already approved the plan for extensions and a 19 space car park at the hospital site on St Mary's Road.

The PCT had submitted a planning application for three single-storey extensions housing two consulting rooms and an examination room in the outpatients department and a new palliative care suite.

The development is aimed at dealing with increasing numbers of patients and alleviating traffic congestion.

David Edwards OBE, chairman of NHS Great Yarmouth and Waveney, said: “This work underlines NHS Great Yarmouth and Waveney's ongoing commitment to providing excellent health care facilities for the benefit of all of our patients and as close to home as possible.

“The project will bring huge benefits for people using Beccles Hospital by significantly improving the environment in which they receive their care. As well as refurbishing the outpatients department, an additional consulting room will be added.

“Phlebotomy will move into new, purpose-designed accommodation which is compliant with disability discrimination legislation, while 19 extra car parking spaces will be created. Work will also take place to improve the palliative day care unit.

“Over the past year, we have invested significant funds into improving both healthcare services for our local communities and the facilities from which they are provided. This latest project is another example of our commitment to ensuring our population has the fastest improving health in England.”

The PCT said the work would ensure that services offered from the site can be maintained while NHS Great Yarmouth and Waveney continues to review the options for future hospital services in Beccles.