WORK on the new Hythe and Dibden War Memorial Hospital is well under way after years of planning.

The site at Beaulieu Road, Hythe, has been a hive of activity, with construction experts demolishing the old building and making a start on the new complex.

In the next few weeks the installation of the hospital's steel framework will illustrate the scale and position of the long-awaited facility.

The building is expected to be completed by the start of next summer, with services transferring from another part of the site as soon as work finishes.

Daily Echo: An artrist's impression of what the new hospital will look like.

A diagnostics suite will boast a brand new X-ray machine as well as offering ultrasound in line with a national drive to deliver more services at a community level.

A mobile breast screening unit will continue to visit the site. Health chiefs are also working on plans to send other mobile units to the hospital as well, including MRI and CT scanners.

Hampshire, Southampton and Isle of Wight Clinical Commissioning Group (HSI CCG) is working closely with clinical health services.

Catherine Bowell, HSI CCG’s deputy director of clinical commissioning for south west Hampshire, said: "A huge 'thank you' to the local community who have worked alongside the NHS over the years supporting the project as it has progressed.

"The new hospital will continue to be an important community facility and we are planning a celebration to mark the opening.

“We anticipate this happening in June 2022. As we get closer to the date we will seek the views of local people and communities on what would be the best way to mark this momentous occasion.

"The building will be the third ‘Hythe and Dibden War Memorial Hospital’ and plans are also being put in place for a formal dedication service to reflect its special status."

Hospital receptionist Tracy Cowhig added: "“There is a real sense of excitement amongst staff and patients. After so many years of planning and talking about new and improved facilities they can finally see progress and people are looking forward to the opening of the new building.”

Iain Smith, Head of Construction Programme Management at NHS Property Services said:

“We are delighted to see the hospital take shape as a sustainable and modern healthcare facility that will benefit the local community for generations to come."