Work is set to commence on a major new hospital in Edinburgh.

The announcement comes after financial close was reached on the project.

The £150m co-located building will combine services from the Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Department of Clinical Neurosciences and the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service.

Located at Little France, the building will adjoin the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. It will consist of six storeys, including the basement, and will have a large atrium with a shop and café, while a skylight will link both hospital entrances. There will also be a helipad created on the roof, and a link building to join the adult and paediatric emergency departments. The number of single rooms with ensuite facilities will also increase, and new technology will also be installed.

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Construction work is expected to commence on site over the next few weeks, with the facility scheduled to open in autumn 2017.

Shona Robison, Health Secretary, said: "This is a momentous date for this project and I'm personally very pleased that work will soon be about to begin on the new co-located Royal Hospital for Sick Children and Department of Clinical Neurosciences.

"The new development brings paediatric care, specialist neonatal care, neurosciences and adult and children's emergency departments all together in one place, making access to services much easier for patients and health professionals alike."

Susan Goldsmith, Finance Director, NHS Lothian, added: "This is an extremely exciting time in the proud history of the Royal Hospital for Sick Children, along with the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service and Department of Clinical Neurosciences, which will find a high-quality new home at Little France from 2017.

"The building designs have been heavily influenced by staff, patients and families and, in addition to offering a modern, light and spacious environment, will also enhance the clinical services we deliver."

Mark Bradshaw, IHS Lothian and Macquarie Capital, commented: "We are excited that construction will soon start on The Royal Hospital for Sick Children and Department of Clinical Neurosciences. This state-of-the-art facility will allow the delivery of quality healthcare services to the people of the Lothian region and beyond for decades to come."

(JP/IT)