Demolition of the old hospital building began this week as the construction of a new hospital building continues.The Bermuda Hospital Board said the demolition of the building, which is more than 90-years-old, will be conducted slowly in order to minimalise dust and noise.A BHB spokeswoman said: “The building was stripped of any hazardous material before this demolition work could commence.“The windows and air conditioners in the hospital buildings immediately adjacent to the demolition site were secured and sealed. A water misting machine will be in constant use during construction to keep dust down and a covered walkway to the Continuing Care Unit entrance has been built to give extra protection to staff, patients and visitors.”Work crews yesterday tore down the building’s main entrance patio which, according on the roman numerals on the front facade, was erected in 1917.Plans for the original King Edward VII Memorial Hospital appeared around 1910, but construction of the project was delayed due to World War One.The building was opened to the public by Albert Edward, Prince of Wales, in 1920, and remained in operation until the opening of the existing KEMH acute care building in 1965.Since then, the building has been used as a government office building, housing officers for the Ministries of Education and Health.Patient care services returned to the building in 2009 when he Centre for Cancer Care opened. Oncology care has now moved to the existing KEMH building.The new hospital building is expected to be completed and receive its first patients in 2014.