The new emergency assessment centre will open this autumn at the Walsgrave Hospital.

It will end the current system under which patients are assessed at Coventry and Warwickshire Hospital and then transferred to the Walsgrave if they need surgery or a scan.

David Roberts, chief executive of the trust, says it will improve patient care.

'Worthwhile investment'

He told BBC WM in Coventry: "I am looking for a significant improvement in the quality of the environment and the number of people we can see on the Walsgrave site.

There are a number of people who will have died because of split site working so anything that can improve that situation, has to be a good thing Jennifer Randall

"It is a very worthwhile investment and I am pleased we have been able to make it happen."

The news has been welcomed by one woman whose partner's death was partly blamed on delays in transferring him between two hospitals in the city.

Richard Payne, 38, from Rugby died following a car crash three years ago.

A report into his death criticised delays caused by the split site arrangement.

His partner Jennifer Randall said: "It seems to me Richard's was not an isolated case.

"There are a number of people who will have died because of split site working so anything that can improve that situation has to be a good thing."

The existing facilities at the Coventry and Warwickshire Hospital will remain but will treat less serious injuries.