The new Forest of Dean hospital has been officially by Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal.

Princess Anne was in Cinderford on Friday (June 7) for the ceremony and where she spoke with staff, patients and others involved in the project including young artists who designed some of the colourful murals which decorate walls in the building.

The Princess Royal unveils a plaque.
The Princess Royal unveils a plaque. (© Gloucestershire Health and Care Trust)

The building, which has been operational since May, provides 24 inpatient beds, a Minor Injury and Illness Unit, an outpatient department and more, including space for community teams supporting people across the district.

 

The opening is the culmination of more than a decade of consultation and planning, to provide a purpose built, modern facility to replace the much-loved Dilke and Lydney hospitals and meet the needs of the local community now and in the future.

 

Princess Anne is welcomed to the hospital by Gloucestershire Health and Care Trust chief executive Douglas Blair.
Princess Anne is welcomed to the hospital by Gloucestershire Health and Care Trust chief executive Douglas Blair. (© Gloucestershire Health and Care Trust)

Trust Chief Executive Douglas Blair said: “We were delighted when The Princess Royal accepted our invitation to perform the official opening and visit our new hospital. 

The Princess Royal spoke with staff about their work.
The Princess Royal spoke with staff about their work. (© Gloucestershire Health and Car)

“The event also served as a thank you to all the colleagues – both current and former – who have been involved in bringing the new hospital to fruition and providing the first-class facilities we now have, which mean we are better able to support the people we care for both now and for decades to come.”

Both former hospitals have been registered as Assets of Community Value. The site of the former Lydney Hospital is on the market with Alder King property consultants.