Bristol Royal Infirmary £80m plans approved

Plans for the £80m redevelopment of the Bristol Royal Infirmary (BRI) have been approved by managers at the hospital.

The project includes a new ward block to be built on the Terrell Street site and an end to the use of the Old Building which dates back to 1735.

The new ward block was first discussed five years ago and should be completed by 2016.

The University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust secured a £70m loan from the Department of Health in March.

Consultant anaesthetist Dr Chris Monk said: "It's fantastic news. The Old Building is the oldest NHS building still in clinical use."

He added: "The new and updated buildings will enable our clinicians to improve care for patients and will also enable us to work more efficiently."