The installation of radiotherapy equipment at the �20m centre - due to open in June next year - is regarded as an important step in the project.

Because of the complexity of the equipment that is being installed, staff will need a period of eight months to confidently verify its safety.

Improved cancer service

The cancer treatment centre, which will be based at Glan Clwyd Hospital near Bodelwyddan, should provide a much-improved service for patients in north Wales who often have to travel to the north west of England for treatment.

Once up and running, it is expected the centre will provide radiotherapy and chemotherapy services for between 1,600 to 2,000 new patients from next year.

Some cancer services will, however, still be provided at the Wrexham Maelor Hospital and Ysbyty Gwynedd in Bangor.