THE veterans orthopaedic centre at Gobowen’s Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Hospital (RJAH) has been officially opened by Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh.
Her Royal Highness travelled to the hospital on Tuesday, April 4 for the official unveiling, and she was joined by staff, volunteers including armed forces veterans, plus dignitaries such as Lady Anna Turner, Lord-Lieutenant of Shropshire.
The Duchess was given a guided tour of the £6 million facility by Harry Turner, chairman of the RJAH Trust and Stacey Keegan, chief executive, who said it was a proud day.
She said: “It couldn’t have been better, the sun is shining and there are lots of people here, including our own staff who are celebrating our huge achievement to create this hospital.
“A Royal visit is nothing short of the 'cherry on top' for the amount of work we’ve done.
“We’re so proud of that, and the military connections that we have too.
“So much work has gone into today and my huge gratitude to my staff, from facilities, estates, security to everyone who’s played a part and wanted to play a part in the day to go ahead.
“And to our guests Headley Court because it would be nothing without them.
“Our vision aligned with theirs, and their financial support and expertise were of huge benefit, and can only be good for us.”
Lt Col Carl Meyer, considered the driving force behind Headley Court’s decision to open a new centre at RJAH, admitted his delight at the day.
“I am very proud indeed but this is very much a team effort here today,” he said.
“The whole hospital has been involved right from the start, which was in 2013 so we’ve been going for a decade now.
“We would never have achieved this without support from the hospital on all levels – it’s fantastic.
“It is working out exactly how we thought it would and the best of the building is the veteran’s hub that we have here.”
Cathy Hands, 73, and from Mid Wales, is a spinal patient, and she took the impromptu chance to shake Her Royal Highness’s hand.
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She said: “I’m absolutely over the moon – I’m a Royalist through and through and always have been.
“I didn’t know she was going to be here as I’d only come as a patient.
“I can tell my family that I’ve shaken her hand – it’s really made my day.”
Isabel Lawrence and Mali Jones were very happy when they got a chance to speak to a real-life Princess.
Emma Lawrence, Isabel's mum, said: "The kids were so happy that she stopped and Her Royal Highness said she liked the Gruffalo.
“They know they’ve spoken to a Princess and they know her name, so the children are extremely delighted.”
North Shropshire MP Helen Morgan MP was also at the event.
She said: “We’re really proud to have this unique facility here and it’s really nice to see the Duchess of Edinburgh here on this beautiful day.
“The centre needs national recognition and it is great for her to come and give it that, so veterans across the country can benefit from it.”
Patient Arlene Baker, from near Aberystwyth, spoke with Her Royal Highness about her work and her life.
She said: “She was lovely and spoke to the veterans, and we spoke about my work as admin in the RAF hospital in Germany.
“It was a real pleasure.”
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