Women and children's hospital build to continue

The government has completed a review of planned hospital projects

Plans to build a women and children's hospital in Cornwall are to "proceed as planned" following a government review.

The Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust (RCHT) said it was "delighted" the building would continue.

It follows a review of the New Hospital Programme with a number of planned projects being delayed.

Steve Williamson, RCHT chief executive, said: "We are absolutely delighted the government has recognised the importance of our scheme to proceed on our current timeline."

'Employment opportunities'

A total of £15.5m haa already been spent on the project, including spending on design and planning, demolition, car parking provision and creating a contractors' compound.

Mr Williamson said: "Not only is this good news for our hospital and wider healthcare system, it is also excellent news for the local economy.

"As an anchor institution in Cornwall, we are determined to provide continued employment opportunities across the health and construction sectors, and deliver social value for the long-term prosperity of the county.

"We look forward to continuing our work with the New Hospital Programme and delivering this much-needed scheme over the next five years."