WORK has started on the new £6million cardiology extension at Taunton's Musgrove Park Hospital.

The development, funded by Centre Strategic Capital, will double the hospital's capacity to treat patients with heart problems.

The cath lab performs both angiograms and angioplasties, which diagnose and treat blocked arteries.

Dr Stuart Walker, consultant cardiologist, said: "Our service is recognised as one of the most efficient in the country and we perform over 1,600 angiograms and 550 angioplasties ever year.

"This new development includes the new lab, more beds, and more specialist staff.

"New out-patient and diagnostic suites will increase the availability of one-stop diagnostic clinics."

A three-storey extension is being built to make the construction of the new lab possible.

This extension will accommodate departments moving to make way for the new cardiology lab.

When the new lab is operational in late 2007, the trust expects to perform almost 2,200 angiograms and 750 angioplasties.

They hope this will meet the increased demand for those needing the service, and allow the trust to take on cardiology work from other trusts that do not have the capacity to carry it out.

Chief executive Mike Williams said: "This is an excellent service and an exciting development.

"The cardiology team has developed a superb reputation and it is good for all the people in Somerset and beyond that this increased capacity has been funded."