The hospital wants to make sure patients can stay in the region

The investment at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth would cost nearly �3m.

There are currently 18 neurosurgical beds at the hospital. The proposal is to increase that to a 41-bedded ward.

It's terribly important that the facilities are adequate James Palmer, Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust

The current surgical assessment unit would also be expanded as a result of the investment.

The Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust said the expansion would help its development and attract leading clinical staff.

It also said students from the Peninsula Medical School would benefit from the expansion.

The divisional director at the Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust, James Palmer, said it was vital that these types of specialist services remain in the region.

He said: "We only have one neurological unit for Devon and Cornwall, and the facility is there for people in all parts of the region.

"It's terribly important the facilities are adequate and able to provide the care that patients need, otherwise people would have to travel to Bristol or Southampton for the same kind of care."