Almost �50m is being spent on the unit which will be located next to the hospital's existing South Block.

It will house five operating theatres and will be used to treat people with skin problems, gynaecological conditions as well as other day cases.

The facility, which will treat more than 3,000 patients a week, is being built and run by a private company.

The day centre will also be equipped with state-of-the-art MRI and CT scanners.