WORK has begun on a £700,000 revamp of the Count-ess of Chester Hospital's fertility unit.

The work, which is being carried out to ensure the unit is in line with new European law, should be completed by next May.

The larger unit in the women and children's building will house a laboratory and equipment for fertility tests and treatments.

It will also encompass colposcopy services such as smear testing and a new outpatient section so women can be treated under local anaesthetic instead of facing an overnight stay in hospital.

Fertility nurse specialist Karen Woodcock said: 'We are expanding the service we provide for the whole of Chester and North Wales, both NHS and private.

'If it was not for this we would not be able to continue our work, because of the new European legislation.

'Patients say we run a fantastic service already but it will be great to provide nicer facilities so people are more comfortable.'

A business plan was put forward by the unit to the Countess of Chester Hospital Trust and this was approved in October.

Funds for the work are coming from the trust's own capital.

An open day for patients and the public to see the plans for the refurbishment was also held and positive feedback was given.

The unit was the first in the country to have a baby born through a process called transport IVF - where a woman has her eggs taken close to home and they are then taken to a hospital further afield to be fertilised.

In the Countess's case this is in Liverpool and the process will carry on in the new unit.

Mrs Woodcock added: 'It was vital this investment happened and we are really excited about what we will be able to provide.'