The theatre will be built within the existing Ward 20 and will support pre and post operative care for patients.

The reconfiguration of the existing ward will create a new day surgery unit with two theatres, and will improve access for patients requiring hand trauma surgery, hand elective surgery and Ophthalmology surgery.

The project is being delivered in partnership with NHS Lothian’s appointed contractor RMF Health, which is a consortium bringing together construction and building services contractors Robertson and FES.

Anna Daley, RMF health framework manager, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with NHS Lothian on the exciting redevelopment of Ward 20. This significant refurbishment will make a real difference to the eye and hand surgery services that are available, and we are proud to be playing our part in this project.”

The redevelopment to Ward 20 is one development in a larger programme of works planned for St John’s Hospital over the coming years.

Through capital investments and revenue funding, more than £30m has been invested into services at St John’s hospital in recent years in order to increase capacity and improve patient care.

Investments have included the £7m short stay elective surgery centre, £3.7m endoscopy unit and £3m upgrade of the Labour Ward and Special Care Baby Unit.

Works are scheduled for completion in June 2017.