More details of what Cornwall's new women's and children's hospital will be able to offer have now been revealed.

It was first announced in August 2019 that Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust would be getting £99.9 million to build such a facility at the centre of its site at Treliske in Truro.

The first image of what the new unit could look like was released in September this year, along with the news that building work could be completed a year earlier than expected.

The first stage of a planning application was submitted the same month, in the form of a 'screening opinion', with detailed plans to follow if advice is positive.

Pre-application advice has also been sought from Cornwall Council over timescales and layout, with an outline business case due to be submitted to the Government in October.

It is hoped that construction could start on site in December 2021 with an aim of being completed by December 2024.

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Now Prime Minister Boris Johnson has confirmed it as one of 40 hospitals, including 11 in the south west, that will be built by 2030 as part of a package worth £3.7 billion.

At the same time, the government gave more details about the replacement for the Royal Cornwall Hospital's existing Princess Alexandra Wing.

The new hospital will include services for neonatal, paediatrics, obstetrics, antenatal, intrapartum and post-natal care.

It will feature a consultant-led birthing suite and a midwife-led birthing unit and day assessment unit for maternity patients.

It will have its own operating theatres for maternity and gynaecology outpatients and emergencies, a pharmacy and family accommodation.

And there will also be support offered to people struggling to get pregnant, with a range of therapies offered and its own fertility unit, plus support during early pregnancy.

There will also be a paediatrics area for children who have to be admitted, or seen as an outpatient.

The plan is to have sensory areas "interactive pathways", as well as to expand the technology offered so that families can see babies from home if they have to stay in.

Truro and Falmouth MP Cherilyn Mackrory said: “I was proud to be elected at last year’s election to deliver on the people’s priorities, such as investing in the NHS.

“I am thrilled that a new women and children’s hospital will be built at Truro, for the benefit of all of Cornwall.

“We have a huge opportunity now to unite and level up, delivering lasting change, and build back better after coronavirus.

“My thanks to all have worked hard to bring this project forward, even through the Covid-19 pandemic, and I look forward to working with the team to make sure our new hospital is up and running as soon as possible.”

It is due to be located between the existing Tower Block and Trelawny Wing at Treliske.