Work has begun on a £650 million project to build two hospitals in Leeds city centre.
Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust has been given planning permission to build a state-of-the-art children’s hospital and a new adult hospital, with operating theatres and critical care facilities.
On Wednesday, February 12, the trust marked the beginning of the work by unveiling a huge banner, surrounded by green lights, on the side of the old nurse's home at Leeds General Infirmary, which will soon be demolished to make way for the new hospitals.
Julian Hartley, chief executive of the trust, said preliminary works have begun and construction is due to be completed in 2025.
He told LeedsLive: "We're planning for 2025 for completion, we'll then make sure we kit out the hospital fully.
"We expect that within 2026 we'll be open for business and we'll be making sure we provide world-class care for children. Alongside the new children's hospital will be a new wing at the LGI for adults, so it's two fantastic new hospitals for Leeds."
He added: "It shouldn't mean a huge amount of disruption."
At Wednesday's launch event, senior hospital staff heard from young patients, who have been coming up with ideas for the new children's hospital.
Tegan Taylor-Hinds, 12, suggested an arts and crafts area, communal gardens, a gym, school room, sensory room and Subway sandwich shop.
She said: "It's supposed to be inspirational. This could help the kids and people who have never been to hospital before.
"It could make the younger kids feel more comfortable too and help kids understand why they have to come to hospital."
Tegan was chosen to press the button that set off the green lights that surround the new banner.
The trust is using a share of a £2.7 billion government investment in the NHS to build the hospitals.
It says many of Leeds General Infirmary's run-down buildings are very expensive to maintain so replacing them with state-of-the art facilities will result in long-term savings, which can be reinvested in patient care.
