Patients registered at Ysbyty Gwynedd in Bangor have previously had to make a round trip to hospitals in either Manchester or Liverpool.

Fundraisers who helped make the unit a reality were welcomed at a special open day in their honour.

But, the use of donations has been criticised by the chair of Gwynedd Community Health Council.

Councillor Gwen Griffiths has raised the matter with Assembly First Secretary Alun Michael, describing the situation as "totally unacceptable".

She compared the situation with the legacy of the health care under former prime minister Margaret Thatcher.

"Not only are the public providing their own health care, but there is a considerable time lapse between identifying the need for such facilities and raising enough money to purchase them," said Ms Griffiths.

But the completion of the facility has been broadly welcomed by doctors and nursing staff at Ysbyty Gwynedd.

Collectors praised

The chairman of the Alaw Unit Appeal Fund, Dr Jim Davies, started the fund raising in 1992 and work began on the unit last year.

Dr Davies paid tribute to all those who had taken part in the years of organising events and collecting donations.

Consultant haematologist Dr Tom Corn said he was "absolutely delighted" to see the project completed.

Improved facilities

"Within three years, we had £1m and that is what we really needed to start off," he said.

"The facilities we have now are much improved."

Sister Beryl Roberts will work on the day ward, which is linked to three consulting rooms and other new facilities.

"We have been talking about the unit over the years and we are pinching ourselves at the thought we will be working here in three weeks time," said Sister Roberts.