A major building project to upgrade the Assisted Conception Unit (ACU) at Ninewells Hospital has got under way.

NHS Tayside Chairman Sandy Watson cut the first sod to officially mark the start of construction.

The first stage of work on the new £3.8m ACU will see the construction of a new extension before the current space is redeveloped and the service temporarily decanted to ward 33. Work is due to be complete by September 2011.

A project launch was held at Ninewells in July to inform relevant staff and neighbouring departments about the building works and to display plans for the new development, which is being undertaken through Frameworks Scotland with Morrison Healthcare.

Staff, patients and visitors also had the opportunity to view the designs and chat to members of the project team.

Ninewells ACU, established in 1983, was the first centre in Scotland to offer assisted conception treatment.

It is the second largest unit in Scotland and provides a referral service for patients from Tayside, Fife, Forth Valley and Western Isles Health Boards. It also provides a service for self-funded patients from across Scotland.

The new development will allow the continued delivery of high quality care and allow for the development of additional enhanced services.

Carrying out the official cutting of the sod ceremony, Mr Watson said: "I am delighted to see work begin on the upgrading of the Assisted Conception Unit, which will bring great benefit to people in Tayside and beyond."

Morrison Healthcare's Managing Director Mike Keith said, "There's a big sense of satisfaction at work starting today. We have been involved as part of the team in the development of this project for over a year, during which time we have worked closely with NHS Tayside and the designers to create a modern facility."