A new £9.2 million wing for the elderly is taking shape at Colchester General Hospital.
Work on the Gainsborough Wing, which is expected to take a year to build, started in November - but already the outline of the structure can be made out.
In a situation branded "unsuitable" by Health watchdogs, some elderly patients have been treated in temporary buildings by Essex Rivers Healthcare Trust.
The new building will include five wards, day hospital facilities, rheumatology and rehabilitation services.
Health chiefs hope it will help them cope with increased emergency demand.
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