Royal opening is a glowing tribute to Friends' work

By Friday 25 April 2014 Updated: 25/04 10:05

HRH Princess Alexandra chats with long-serving volunteer Mary Lock (s)

PRINCESS Alexandra has officially opened the new Diamond Jubilee Rehabilitation Centre at St Cross.

The Queen's cousin spoke with staff and patients who use the facilities, and members of the Friends group and UHCW Charity whose donations help fund the revamp.

She also unveiled a commemorative plaque to mark the occasion and was presented with a posy by Mary Lock, 91 – the oldest serving volunteer and an integral part of the Friends for over 17 years.

Andy Meehan, chairman of University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust which runs St Cross, said: “Wednesday's visit by HRH Princess Alexandra is a glowing tribute to the extreme hard work of the Friends of St Cross and UHCW Charity.

“I know I speak on behalf of all the staff when I say the Hospital of St Cross is a fitting recipient for a royal visit. This is truly a memorable occasion.”

Hospital manager Juliet Starkey added: “To have an official royal opening is an amazing seal of approval for the great work of both the staff and charitable organisations that have created this project.

“The rehabilitation centre will greatly benefit the patients who use this and is another example of the recent improvements that have been made to the hospital.”

The Diamond Jubilee Project aims to reorganise in-patient rehabilitation services. It has created a new therapy gym attached to both a relocated Mulberry Rehabilitation Ward and Oak Rehabilitation Ward, and a new activities area.

- We're committed to St Cross, trust chief assures readers. Turn to page eight for chief operating officer David Eltringham's letter in full.