Construction work at the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital’s new wing has given work to hundreds of Bermudians.According to a Bermuda Hospitals Board (BHB) spokeswoman, more than 500 people are currently working on the Point Finger Road project on a daily basis, and that number is expected to rise even further.Of the construction workers on the project, more than 60 percent are Bermudians or spouses of Bermudians.BHB president and CEO Venetta Symonds said the BHB was pleased that the project is not only improving the facility, but supporting Bermudians during difficult economic times.“We are in the business of healthcare but find that we are providing jobs for hundreds of Bermudians in the construction field,” she said. “We recognise the importance this has meant for many families during this unexpected downturn in our economy.“In July we reported over one million man hours had been completed. Now, just three months later, we can reveal that more Bermudians are on the site and that peak numbers of about 550 workers are expected to be reached in the upcoming weeks.”Among the workers on the site are 105 people working on mechanical and plumbing projects, 95 drywallers and ceiling fixers and 80 electricians. The project has also employed a number of managers, labourers, painters, insulators, carpenters, masons and landscapers.BHB redevelopment director James Campbell said he is pleased with the progress and the quality of work at the site, and the BHB is paying close attention to make sure the project meets international standards.“It is our intention to provide the Island with a premier facility that enables the highest quality of healthcare to be afforded to the community,” he said.The new $247 million Acute Care Wing is expected to open its doors to patients next year.As part of the project, the Bermuda Hospitals Charitable Trust has been working since April of 2011 to raise $40 million. A spokesman for the charity said yesterday that the group has so far raised $29 million.