An artist's impression of the new hospital

The �300m hospital in Larbert will have 800 in-patient and day spaces and a series of other community services.

However, Unison said it was disappointed that NHS Forth Valley had decided to use private investment.

The hospital, to be built on the 130 hectare site of the Royal Scottish National Hospital, is expected to be open in 2009.

NHS Forth Valley chairman Ian Mullen said it would deliver high-quality services for patients.

"We believe that where possible patients should be treated closer to home in community hospitals and health centres," he said.

This is a real slap in the face for our support staff members Stevie Hamill Unison

"When they do have to come into hospital, services should be focussed on their needs and provided in purpose-designed facilities."

Private company Equion will build the hospital while another operator, Serco, will provide facilities management, including laundry services.

But healthcare union Unison is concerned at the deal struck with Serco and said it would be pushing to have it reviewed.

'Major change'

Unison assistant branch secretary Stevie Hamill said: "This is a real slap in the face for our support staff members who only recently have been commended by Forth Valley Health Board for their efforts in dealing with major service change.

"The board talks about partnership working but our members today are asking us why they have been so easily sidelined by their management partners.

"It's privatisation by another name."

The project will also see the first use of an agreement between the STUC and the Scottish Executive to ensure the new employer will mirror the terms and conditions of existing staff members.