Britain’s Princess Anne has officially opened a new facility at a hospital bearing her name.
The Princess Royal unveiled a plaque after touring the new £28 million Women and Children’s Centre at the Princess Royal Hospital in Telford, Shropshire and was impressed by the changes she has witnessed since she first visited 25 years ago.
Unveiling the plaque, she said: "This marks the progress of time. It is 25 years since I first came and I don’t underestimate for a second the work it has taken to create this facility. But it also demonstrates that you have adapted and made the best of what modern technology has to offer."
The centre – which fully opened in September – includes a Children’s Oncology and Haematology Department, Postnatal Ward, Walker Trust Suite and Neonatal Ward and the 64-year-old royal said she believed it would help women feel confident about raising their children.
She said: "Confidence is a very fragile commodity, but with the right support and facilities, that confidence can stay with you."
Kate Shaw, Programme Manager for the Shropshire Women and Children’s Centre development, said meeting the princess had been an "honour" and the visit was a memorable one.
She said: "Today’s opening was a real celebration of all the hard work and commitment in the creation of the Women and Children’s Centre and delivery of the changes to women and children’s services.
"It was a real honour to meet the Princess Royal and the time she gave to staff and patients will always be remembered."
Princess Anne opens hospital facility
