A NEW £14m treatment centre at Kidderminster hospital has been given the blessing of health chiefs.

The new Diagnostic and Treatment Centre has received the full support of West Midlands South Health Authority, which heard about the plans at a meeting yesterday.

The centre, which should be completed mid-2004, will include three theatres, an outpatient suite, short-stay wards and a midwife-led maternity unit.

It is an expansion of the original plans to provide an ambulatory care centre at the downscaled hospital.

David Evans, project director at the Trust, said the new centre would handle about a third of the increase of patients expected over the next four years.

"This is all about patients receiving the appropriate care in the appropriate place," he said.

"This will be a significant addition to the Worcestershire health economy, will improve patient choice, and will give them a choice about where they have treatment."

Planning permission has been granted by Wyre Forest District Council and the centre will be concentrated around the areas now known as E and B block.

Work on E block will start in October this year, and will be open to patients before December 2003.

Work will then start on B block and the whole project is due to be completed in mid-2004.

When fully developed, bosses have said it may offer evening clinics and surgeries, as well as direct bookings.

The development has been given a cautious welcome by GPs across the county.

South Worcestershire Primary Care Group said the centre would be valued but would not be enough.

"We know the level of expansion which is required and it is more than what is being provided at the diagnostic and treatment centre," said one member.