A Worcestershire private hospital has announced a £4.5 million programme of investment to increase its medical facilities.

Spire South Bank Hospital, in Worcester, has embarked on a three-phase programme of regeneration at the site in Bath Road, the third and largest of which will be a £3 million laparoscopic theatre opening later this year.

Surgeons utilising the high-tech facilities will be able to carry out a range of key-hole procedures.

An oncology and haematology suite opened last month which followed the installation of the latest CT scanning technology through which detailed images of the body can be examined.

Plans are also being finalised for a new, dedicated breast care centre which will feature digital mammography imaging

The installation of the CT scanner and the new breast care centre will mark the completion of the hospital's plan to increase its diagnostic imaging capability which now includes an MRI scanner, fluoroscopy and ultrasound imaging.

Spire Healthcare is the UK's second largest private healthcare group and last year opened a new £750,000 bowel clinic at the hospital.

The upgrades are part of the wider Spire Healthcare Group's £600 million national investment programme.

Spire South Bank hospital director Ben Nicholson said: "We are excited to be rolling out our continued investment and growth plans.

"Our reputation is based around the care and comfort of our patients and the new facilities will add another dimension to the first-class medical services I believe we already offer people from across Worcestershire and the West Midlands.

"Our continuing investment into the hospital ensures patient care remains at the forefront. It's also an investment which will create new jobs and give a boost to the county's economy.

"Over the years, we have attracted leading medical specialists....we are therefore delighted we'll be adding significantly to the team this year.

"Our new suites and theatres will allow us to carry out a wider range of diagnosis and surgery and make some very specialist operations far more accessible."

The Birmingham Post has launched a free app for iPad and iPhone. Download it here.