HER Royal Highness The Princess Royal has officially opened the new facilities at West Cumberland Hospital.

The Princess Royal is a Patron of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists and was delighted to chat with patients and occupational therapy staff.

Upon her arrival, the lord lieutenant, Mr Alexander Scott, the Trust's chair, Steve Morgan, and chief executive Lyn Simpson met the Princess.

Whitehaven and Workington MP Josh MacAlister said: "It's been fantastic to have The Princess Royal visit the hospital and new extension and shine a spotlight on the work the staff are doing and the new facilities.

"The facilities will bring better healthcare opportunities for people living here in West Cumbria."

Joni Mitchell, the Trust's head of occupational therapy, escorted The Princess Royal as she met with occupational therapists.

The Princess was able to speak with some of the patients about the support they are getting at the new facility.

These include a therapy gym, a courtyard, a challenge path, and a kitchen to prepare patients for returning home.

Richard Walmsley, an occupational therapist said: "I'm currently on secondment to a new community pilot service working with people with severe strokes who are coming out of hospital.

"I'm there to support their transition as they return home."

Her Royal Highness unveiled a plaque and was invited to sign a visitor's book which was once signed by the Queen Mother when West Cumberland Hospital was opened in 1964.

The new £40 million facility was opened today, October 24.

A lady called Daphne Bouch spoke with The Princess Royal as she entered the hospital.

Ms Bouch was at the hospital back in 1964 and met the Queen Mother.

She said: "I saw everyone congregating, and as she came in I got a good photograph of her and she said 'Good morning' to us both.

"I'd just finished my training as a nurse here back in 1964 and I was standing with a patient in a wheelchair as she presented a bouquet to the Queen Mother.

"She then came up to the ward where I was working and spoke with the staff and patients."

The high sheriff Chris Holmes added: "I think it's incredible that The Princess Royal has come to West Cumberland Hospital to open something massively important to this area."