Patients and visitors are being warned of disruption at Warwick Hospital over the coming weeks as construction works get underway.

South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust started work to create the new "state-of-the-art" entrance at the hospital earlier this month.

The trust has been given permission to knock down the existing buildings and replace them with a three-storey extension.

The scheme forms phase one of the trust's masterplan to improve facilities at the 474-bed hospital.

Taking to Twitter the trust has warned that the start of the works next week will impact the car parks at the hospital.

"As we start the development to transform the Warwick Hospital site, tehre will be a change to our main public car park (Car Park A) from Monday 15 May, which could cause disruptions for patients and visitors," the announcement said.

"The trust is working with contractors to minimise the impact, but we are advising members of the public to consider how you travel to Warwick Hospital and where possible use alternative transport."

The project forms phase one of the trust's masterplan for Warwick Hosptial (image via planning application)

Planning permission for the major redevelopment was granted by Warwick District Council at the end of March.

The trust has now been given permission to build a new ground floor reception, plant room and admission suite as well as exterior landscaping.

Two wards comprising 32 beds will now be relocated into the two levels, providing 40 beds.

Plans state that works on site will not limit the day-to-day running of the hospital.

The application also includes solar panels on the roof.

The hospital eventually plans to also demolish and rebuild the buildings next to the entrance, as well as the day surgery unit and radiology and then the Mains/Suire Ward. These will all come as separate applications in the next few years.

The trust says the new entrance will be a 'state-of-the-art' facility (image via planning application)