Princess Anne officially opens Chesterfield Royal's new A&E facility
Crowds gathered to welcome the royal visit earlier
Last updated 12th Jul 2023
HRH The Princess Royal has officially opened Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust’s new Emergency Department.
More than 5,000 patients have already passed through the doors of the £27m facility since it began operating a fortnight ago.
Dr Katherine Lendrum, Clinical Lead for the UECD and ED Consultant, says:
“The new Emergency Department is an absolutely amazing facility and we’re honoured to welcome Her Royal Highness to the see what we do, how and where. It’s vital that people really do take note and only come to ED when they really need it!
“The new department is already working incredibly hard and is managing patients in a really efficient and safe way. We know that we’re providing better care and a better all-round experience for people so it’s great that we’re able to take a moment and show our services to such a highly esteemed guest. Plus we know that staff and patients as well as the communities of Chesterfield will really see this as us redefining Chesterfield and showing that we’re fit for the future and providing a dedicated service which is second to none by staff who really care!”
Amongst the facilities The Princess who is Patron of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine and also patron to the Royal College of Occupational Therapists and the Royal College of Midwives visited a dedicated children and young people’s area and a specialist zone for neuro diverse patients or those experiencing a mental health crisis.
The royal visit culminated with the unveiling of a special plaque in the reception/class atrium of the ED, and a specially commissioned artwork of the whole Joined Up Care Derbyshire system created by local artist Dave Draws.
Housekeeper Joy Maddison was chosen to hand a bouquet to the Princess as she left.