THIS is how a new state-of-the-art radiotherapy unit at Worcestershire Royal Hospital will look when it is completed.

Work is about to get under way on the new £22.5 million facility, which will provide treatment for the county’s cancer patients and means that they will no longer face long journeys out of the county for their care.

It is estimated it will save patients about one million miles of travel every year.

Architect Aedas, which designed the two-storey unit, has provided an artist’s impression of how the finished result will look.

The unit will be linked to the main Worcestershire Royal Hospital building for the transfer of in-patients and has been designed to allow expansion when required.

Joe Huddleston, from Aedas, said: “We took a number of considerations into play when designing our concepts for the centre.

“Our aim was to break the mould of traditional cancer treatment centres by addressing the emotions experienced by patients and their families during their visits.

“We felt it was crucial to provide an environment that will be welcoming and relaxed without confusing its clinical function.”

It is hoped the radiotherapy centre will be ready to open at the end of 2014.