HER Royal Highness the Princess Royal has performed the official opening of the Forest of Dean Community Hospital.

The Cinderford facility, which has been operational since May, provides inpatient beds, a Minor Injury and Illness Unit, an outpatient department and more, plus space for community teams.

The opening is the culmination of more than a decade of consultation and planning, to provide a purpose-built, modern facility to replace the two former Forest hospitals.

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 event also served as a thank you to all the colleagues who have been involved in bringing the new hospital to fruition and providing the first class facilities.”