The Keir built King's Building, which includes eight operating theatres, six endoscopy rooms and a 22-bed intensive care unit, is designed to create additional capacity and help reduce waiting times for treatment.

Martin Wilkinson, chief operating officer for NHS England South West, said: ‘Surgical hubs are making a real difference as coverage increases in the South West, so it's excellent to see this latest unit come on stream.

‘Having state-of-the-art buildings can transform the experience of surgery for staff and patients alike, as well as helping bring down waiting lists.'

David Shannon, director of strategy and digital development at Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, said: ‘The King's Building will enable us to open additional operating theatre lists, helping more patients receive the treatment they need while supporting our long-term plans for improving healthcare services across the county.'

The centre includes hybrid operating theatres (pictured), bringing advanced imaging technology and surgery together in a single location and has been designed with wellbeing in mind, featuring dedicated colleague facilities, visitor areas and landscaped outdoor spaces, including a central courtyard supported by the Somerset NHS Foundation Trust's NHS Charity.