HRH The Princess Royal visits Worcestershire Royal Hospital Emergency Department

Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal has met the dedicated clinical teams working in Worcestershire Royal Hospital’s Emergency Department before unveiling a plaque marking the Emergency Department’s official opening.

Following a tour of the department, The Princess Royal met staff from teams including stroke, frailty and same day emergency care to learn how their work forms part of the wider network of urgent and emergency care services at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust.

Colleagues from Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Charity were also present to explain how the finishing touches to the Emergency Department, including interior and exterior artwork, were made possible by a hugely successful fundraising appeal, generously supported by local people.

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. 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. 

“The event served as a thank you to everyone who been involved in bringing the new department to fruition.”

The visit is the culmination of several years’ planning and detailed preparation to provide the purpose built, modern facility in Aconbury East, replacing the previous Emergency Department which had been located in the main hospital building since it opened in 2002.

The £35 million development, which opened its doors to patients in October 2023, includes an expanded paediatric area with separate entrance, enhanced resuscitation and majors areas, dedicated CT and other imaging facilities, and an improved layout to support patient flow.

The new Emergency Department contributes to the improvements being led across the local health and care system to reduce waiting times, improve ambulance handovers and introduce new and improved models of care in and out of hospital.