Princess Anne opened Worcestershire Royal Hospital's new A&E

Princess Anne had left "everyone impressed" following her visit to Worcestershire Royal Hospital's new A&E where she unveiled a plaque. 

It had been four weeks since the princess had her own encounter with the emergency services after being hit by a horse while out walking.

LOOKING WELL: Princess Anne was shown around the new department. (Image: Worcestershire Royal Hospital) But that did not stop the 73-year-old from officially opening the new £35 million Emergency Department.

Clare Bush, director of nursing for urgent and emergency care, said: "The Princess was really interested in what we did, why we designed it the way we did, and who was involved in the design.

 "She asked lots of questions and spoke to lots of members of the team.

The Princess Royal unveils a plaque officially opening Worcestershire Royal Hospital Emergency Department. (Image: Worcestershire Royal Hospital) "Everybody was really impressed with how bright and interested she was.

"She obviously knew her stuff in terms of the problems A&E faces." 

The Princess Royal is greeted by children from Worcestershire Royal Hospital Creche. (Image: Worcestershire Royal Hospital) The visit is the culmination of several years of planning and detailed preparation to provide the purpose-built, modern facility in Aconbury East.

It replaces the previous Emergency Department, which had been located in the main hospital building since it opened in 2002.

WELCOME: The Princess Royal is welcomed by Russell Hardy, Chair, Glen Burley, Chief Executive Officer and the Emergency Department senior leadership team from Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust. (Image: Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust) The £35 million development, which opened its doors to patients in October 2023, includes an expanded paediatric area with a separate entrance, enhanced resuscitation and major areas, dedicated CT and other imaging facilities, and an improved layout to support patient flow.

Glen Burley, Chief Executive of Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “We were delighted when Her Royal Highness accepted our invitation to visit our new Emergency Department.

The Princess Royal meets staff in the Emergency Department. (Image: Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust) "As well as touring the department, she met key members of staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to provide care to the 85,000 patients who use the facility every year, as well as our key health and care partners and those who were instrumental in both the design and construction of the unit.

“Our shared aim is to deliver the best possible care for patients and get them safely back home as soon as possible.

"But while they are with us, we want to provide that care in an environment which offers the best environment for our patients and our staff. 

OVER AND OUT: The Princess Royal makes her exit. (Image: Worcestershire Royal Hospital) “The event served as a thank you to everyone who has been involved in bringing the new department to fruition.”

The Princess was rushed to Southmead Hospital in Bristol on June 23, staying for five nights after being injured while out walking on her Gatcombe estate in Gloucestershire.

Anne’s medical team said her head injuries were consistent with a potential impact from a horse’s head or legs but her concussion meant precise details of how the incident came about are not clear.

The princess also visited Malvern where she opened the Kildare Hall at the Three Counties Showground.