Work got under way this week on a new oncology unit at Noble’s Hospital.

Former ward 5 is being converted for the purpose-built unit.

It will provide therapy areas, several single patient rooms, clinic rooms within a new outpatients’ suite, dedicated waiting areas and a much improved working environment for doctors and nurses.

There will be 10 chemotherapy stations in bays reserved for men and women, an increase on the current six in one bay.

Patients attending for chemotherapy will have direct access so they can come and go without using the main entrance at Noble’s or having to walk through hospital corridors, so reducing the risk of infection.

The Eric and Marion Scott Trust has provided the majority of funding.

Oncology facilities are currently based in the Newlands building, located in the grounds of Noble’s but unconnected to the main hospital.

Contractors SCS are due to complete their work in late spring. The unit will be furnished and fitted out before opening in the summer.