The multi-million pound expansion of a Harpenden hospital is well underway, with the building of a new theatre this month.

Spire Harpenden Hospital recently commenced work on its £5million theatre and outpatient ward expansion, which is due to be completed in August this year.

On Friday, April 11 and Saturday, April 12 builders worked towards completing the project at the Ambrose Lane site, with the prepared theatre being craned into position.

Julia Salmon, Hospital Director said: "This is an extremely exciting time for Spire Harpenden and the weekend marks a major stage in our development.

"The staff at the Hospital have been fantastic, under some challenging circumstances. Our thanks extend to the patients staying at the Hospital and our neighbours for their continued support throughout the project."

The new theatre has been built off-site in four separate modules that were all designed to easily slot together. On Friday, April 11 the theatre, in parts, began its journey all the way from Gloucestershire to the Hospital, three support vehicles escorted the modules to arrive throughout Saturday, April 12.

The sun shone down on Spire neighbours and patients, who came out to watch the 20 tonne units being lifted into place. By the end of Saturday the centre courtyard of the building had been transformed and it was easy to see how the new space was going to look.

The new theatre is to be installed with laminar flow, which reduces the risk of infection, as well as specialist equipment for keyhole surgery.The expansion also includes plans for a new seven bed ward and an additional patient recovery area.

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 hospital has continued to operate as usual during the works with minimal disruption to patients. The building work will continue over the coming months, finishing with a grand opening in August.