A MULTIMILLION pound redevelopment and expansion project which will double the size of a hospital has reached a major milestone.

The £20 million building project at Holly House Hospital in High Road, Buckhurst Hill, has been officially handed over to the management by the building team.

The purpose-built facility will create cutting edge treatment facilities including a new out-patients department with 23 consulting rooms, as well as three new integrated theatres.

A new pharmacy, pathology lab and endoscopy unit will also be housed in the new building.

An additional 43 car parking spaces located in the basement will increase capacity on the hospital site.

In a separate development to take place next year, an additional project will see the number of beds in the hospital increased from 55 to 70.

Phil Bates, director of Holly House Hospital, said: “We are excited about this redevelopment which is our largest ever investment.

“Our new purpose-built facility has been designed to combine the best modern medical care in the best facilities. It will be a major boost to the local community as well as our own staff.”

The new facilities are due to open to patients in early 2013.

Holly House Hospital is a private hospital which also offers some services to patients on behalf of the NHS.