The £87m surgical centre in Taunton will include eight operating theatres, six endoscopy rooms with a patient recovery and clinical support area as well as a critical care unit with 22 beds, specifically catering for level 2 and 3 critical care patients.

Kier is already on site carrying out enabling works for the surgical centre and will commence the construction of the sterile services department next month, which is the first phase of the works leading to the development of the surgical centre that will start in 2022.

Working collaboratively with Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, Kier is also delivering a new Acute Assessment Hub at the hospital as part of its Musgrove 2030 plan, which aims to radically transform the hospital’s estate.

Anthony Irving, managing director of Kier Regional Building Western & Wales, said: “We are delighted the green light has been given to construct the new Surgical centre at Musgrove Park.

“Over the past two years, we have worked collaboratively with Somerset NHS Foundation Trust to develop this scheme that will provide first-class facilities.

“We will utilise our vast experience within the healthcare sector to deliver both the Surgical Centre and the Acute Assessment Hub at Musgrove that will support the Trust in providing important services for the people of Somerset.”