Princess Eugenie visited patients and doctors before officially opening a hospital’s new children’s unit today.

The Princess of York is a patron of The Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital’s (RNOH) Charity Redevelopment Appeal and opened the new children’s high dependency unit at the Stanmore site.

The unit has been paid for by donations from the appeal and will mark the latest stage in the redevelopment of the Stanmore hospital.

The princess was treated at the hospital when she was 12-years-old when she had corrective surgery after being diagnosed with scoliosis.

During her visit she said: “I am delighted to be here as Patron of the RNOH Redevelopment Appeal and to officially open this impressive children’s high dependency unit.

"I am sure it will greatly enhance the care and experience of the hospital’s young patients and their families.

"Going into hospital is nerve-wracking for any child; I can still vividly remember how nervous I felt in the days and weeks leading up to my operation.

“Anything that can be done to ease these worries and make the environment better for patients is to be welcomed."

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It has a separate entrance to the adult unit, and will be situated very close to the hospital’s operating theatres, dramatically reducing the transfer time of patients.

The redevelopment appeal aims to raise £15 million to pay for additional facilities and equipment for the hospital which is currently undergoing £90million redevelopment.

Unit matron Betty Wynne said: “The arrival of Princess Eugenie caused lots of excitement - the impact the Princess’s visit has had today really has lifted the children’s spirits and we’re so grateful for her continued support.

“We’re all thrilled that the children’s high dependency unit has officially opened. It marks a key milestone for the hospital and showcases the world-class care and treatment we provide to our patients every day.”