The building, which is being called the Fernhurst Centre, will open in September.

It has been built using environmentally-friendly materials with the tightest infection control measures.

Lesley-Anne Lloyd, head of fundraising, said: "The building is bright, spacious, airy and modern and we hope it provides a pleasant environment for patients whether they are receiving day treatment or staying overnight.

"The completed Fernhurst Centre will revolutionise the future of cancer services at St Richard's. Patients can be treated in a purpose-built centre which provides all cancer treatment services under one roof."

Since the end of April, the cancer treatment facility has really begun to take shape thanks to a donation from the Bognor Regis Lions Club after it received a bequest from local couple Ben and Barbara Benjamin.

Lesley said: "The fantastic donation meant we didn't have to appeal for any more fundraising and could start getting on with more of the building work, in particular the aseptic pharmacy which means chemotherapy can be made inside completely sterile conditions.

"That means patients will no longer have to travel around the main hospital to receive their treatments."

Fundraising and donations from the public raised more than £3m for the project.

As well as paying for the building, money has been spent on other specialist equipment such as treatment chairs and cold caps, which will make a huge difference to people suffering from cancer, as will reclining treatment couches.

There are rooms to give patients and family quiet time and space for respectful consultations behind closed doors, and an information centre so patients can find out more about conditions and treatments.

An important addition is specialist rooms which have an airlock system which sucks off any trace of dust and dirt from medical staff who will tend to patients susceptible to infection.

Katie Kimber will become the ward sister of the Fernhurst Centre.

She said: "Our team is very excited about the centre as it will provide a dedicated environment for our patients to receive their treatment in a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere."

The hospital is hoping to organise an official opening in spring 2010 with a royal guest.

New additions

Five consultation rooms

Space for 18 people to attend on a day basis

Infection-control paint and paper has been used throughout so nothing can stick to it

Offices for nurses and rooms for visiting oncologists

A conference room which has video link facilities so medical staff between hospitals can speak to each other instantly.