A world-class cancer centre at the new Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital opens next week.

The centre is equipped with �20m of state-of-the-art medical equipment which could reduce some patient treatment times from many hours to minutes.

As well as equipment which will accelerate treatment, the cancer centre will offer the very latest forms of radiotherapy.

Patients will also find a lot of work has been done to make the clinical surroundings pleasant and comfortable.

Major switch

The Friends of Norwich Hospitals has funded an �18,400 project to install lit ceiling and wall panels with natural images by artist Joey Fischer.

The Colney Centre patients' waiting area also features wall panels with lit bubbling water and an internet area.

The opening is part of the next major switch of hospital services from the old Norfolk and Norwich Hospital.

Operating theatres

Oncology and haematology departments and Wymondham, Walsingham, Barford, Brooke and Diss wards will be moving over the next two weeks.

Operating theatres, pharmacy, radiology and other departments supporting services are also transferring.

The �229m Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital opened in November 2001.