HEALTH service staff and fundraisers witnessed the start of work on a long-awaited hospital extension.
Building firm R V Dart began work on the new endoscopy suite due to open at Romsey Hospital in April next year. An X-ray unit will also be built, although it is not yet known when it will open.
John Richards and Lynne Lockyer, chief executive and chairwoman of Eastleigh and Test Valley South Primary Care Trust, watched the first bricks laid.
Frank Akerman, chairman of the Romsey Hospital Appeal said: "Today we are making a start on the endoscopy facility and X-ray unit which will be a great help to local people and will also take some pressure off the Southampton and Winchester hospitals."
The new wing will allow intestinal problems to be diagnosed with a special camera, eliminating the need for expensive or dangerous surgery.
Nearly £1.25m has been raised since the appeal was launched in 1998 by Romsey doctor John White. Only £30,000 more is needed to complete the new wing.
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