A £312m redevelopment of two Midlands hospitals by Vinci and Sir Robert McAlpine has been approved.
The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital Trust confirmed that its full business case for the transformation programme had been approved, enabling construction to commence.
Proposals have been developed by clinicians and will see the Telford site specialise in planned care that will be available throughout the year, leading to few cancellations and delays to operations.
The plans include constructing a purpose-built emergency department at Royal Shrewsbury Hospital and carrying out planned surgeries at Princess Royal Hospital in Telford.
Both sites will offer enhanced urgent care, midwife-led units, endoscopy, and other services.
The new facility at Royal Shrewsbury Hospital will also feature an acute medical floor, a critical care unit, and services for maternity, children, gynaecology, and neonatology.