Work has begun on a £1.5 million annexe to a Lancashire hospital creating a new state-of-the-art ultrasound suite.

Greater Lancashire Hospital's development will also see 70 new jobs - 50 clinical and 20 clerical.

The building will welcome NHS patients from across the North West when it opens in Ribbleton's Millennium City Park in Preston, this autumn.

Founded by Lancashire entrepreneurs, Sara and Gwam Rajiah, in 2014, the hospital treats NHS and private healthcare patients.

The new annexe's advanced ultrasound suite will be joined by dedicated physiotherapy and gym areas, seven consulting rooms, and a reception area.

Upon completion, the 10,000-square-foot annexe will be located on the site of the former Synetics building.

Gwam Rajiah, executive chairman of Greater Lancashire Hospital, said: “This new annexe will ensure that the best medical care is available for even more Lancashire and North West people.

“But it’s also a really exciting development in the evolution of Greater Lancashire Hospital as we seek to cater for a constantly increasing appetite for our services.”

Myles Rajiah, who's overseeing the development, said: “We’re already well ahead of schedule and that’s testament to the skill, professionalism and expertise of Wyder Construction’s team.

“At any time, there are more than 50 different contractors on site – all of whom are from Preston and the surrounding area.

“The state-of-the-art air filtration and extraction system, which is also fully compliant with the strictest NHS guidelines, is the most recent component to be installed.”

The new facility will provide 30 free car parking spaces, accessible via a soon-to-be-created entrance on Longridge Road.