The Healthscope board has approved a $25million expansion plan to build another operating theatre and an extra 43 beds on the second level of the medical centre next to the hospital, subject to council approval.

The hospital's CEO Deborah Fogarty said the extra facilities would meet strong demand for hospital services from the local community and visiting medical officers.

``We expect to commission the new beds and operating theatre within 12 months,'' she said.

``The shell is already there it's just a matter of fitting out the space.''

Ms Fogarty said the new beds would accommodate general surgery patients and that works would not disrupt the medical centre.

``The owners of the medical centre would like to see that and it may appeal to additional specialists to take up rooms at the practice,'' she said.

Ms Fogarty said the hospital would again consult with clinicians and Health Projects International, the architects that designed Norwest, to ensure the development was integrated seamlessly.

Since relocating from The Hills, patient volume has increased at the hospital by 24percent.

The number of births has risen significantly by 41percent when compared to the same period last year. Total operations have also increased by 20percent.

``I don't think anyone anticipated that the volume would have increased by 20percent,'' Ms Fogarty said. ``It's been a wonderful success story and visiting medical officers and staff have done a wonderful job of supporting the facility.''