CONSTRUCTION work on the new £4-million Okehampton Hospital is making good progress and it is set to open during December — that's the latest news from Mid Devon Primary Care Trust.

'There has been a lot of excavation work due to the sloping site, but the foundations and concrete floor slabs are completed and the builders are now erecting the lightweight steel framework that will support the building,' explained John Rogers, head of estates.

'We're hoping that the weather will improve soon because it can be quite difficult for the builders to work on the site in stormy weather and howling winds,' he added.

Trust chief executive, Lesley Dunaway, said: 'The new hospital has an exciting and visionary design which is also functional. It will be on two levels — one housing all the clinical services, administration and support teams and a lower level which accommodates the kitchen, laundry and boiler rooms.

'The design is energy efficient and will use plenty of natural daylight and ventilation, which will make the environment brighter for patients and staff. We're very much looking forward to seeing it completed,' she added.

The new 35 bed hospital will replace two older hospital buildings in Okehampton — one of which is more than 100 years old.