Hospital's £170m revamp under way

The work is expected to be completed in 2010

The £170m redevelopment of a West Midlands hospital has started.

Parts of Walsall's Manor Hospital built in the 1830s will be replaced - patients and visitors have been warned to expect disruption until 2010.

Sections of the hospital will be shut and some departments will have to move out temporarily.

The chemotherapy unit has moved to a ward in the maternity block. Surgical rehabilitation and physiotherapy departments will move in December.

Trust chief executive Sue James said: "It is great to see all these changes happening now that the contract is complete, but I would like to apologise to our patients and visitors for any inconvenience.

"I hope they will bear with us during this crucial phase of work which will give the town and its people a hospital for the 21st Century and beyond."