Spire Harpenden Hospital has invested £4.6 million in enhancing its resources which will enable faster access to treat more patients.

Developments at the hospital in Ambrose Lane will include a new theatre, a new seven bed ward and an additional patient recovery area.

Work is scheduled to start at the end of 2013 and the new facilities are expected to open to patients in June 2014.

Hospital Director, Julia Salmon said: "We are really excited about this latest project, which reflects the hospital’s dedication to the local Hertfordshire area.

"This investment will ensure we continue to provide this high standard of care as well as giving our patients a greater choice of consultants and faster access to appointments."

The development is part of the hospital’s ongoing plan to expand the services it can provide, which will enable the hospital to care for an increasing number of patients. In recent years the hospital has extended its car park by 27 spaces following patient feedback and upgraded one of its existing four theatres with specialist key-hole surgery equipment.

The new theatre will be installed with laminar flow, which reduces the risk of infection, as well as specialist equipment for keyhole surgery. The hospital will continue to operate as usual during the works with minimal disruption to patients.