THE Duchess of Gloucester made a visit to Evesham Community Hospital where she met patients and staff to offer them her ongoing support.

Her Royal Highness, who is married to Prince Richard, the Duke of Gloucester, was visiting the hospital on Waterside during a tour of the Vale, in which she also visited Eckington Manor Cookery School and Working World in Evesham.

She was met by matron and hospital manager, Sue Lahiff, together with NHS Worcestershire chairman, Brian Smith, associate director of Worcestershire PCT, Lisa Levy, and children from the hospital creche.

Mrs Lahiff said: “This was a welcome visit and I think the Duchess worked very hard to compliment staff and offer her support to everyone here.”

One of the first people the Duchess was introduced to was hospital porter, Alex Abbott, aged 82, who has been at Evesham hospital in various roles for 52 years.

The Duchess, dressed in a goldenbrown knee-length dress, together with a Gui Laroque handbag, was also introduced to Gordon Smith, the hospital’s physiotherapy team leader.

He said: “It’s not just doctors and nurses, we have a very dedicated and hard-working team here and it’s great to have her interest.”

The Duchess then unveiled a new bench to commemorate her visit, before saying a few words herself.

“It’s been such a delightful day and a pleasure to end it at the community hospital. I’d like to congratulate you all for keeping your hospital, you have worked hard to keep it, and I have great pleasure in unveiling this bench today.”

Frances Smith, chairman of the friends of the hospital, said: “This will help keep the hospital on the map, we are desperate for a new hospital here in Evesham and I’m still hopeful it will happen in the future.”

Meanwhile at Working World, the Duchess was greeted by the mayor of Evesham, Jim Bulman.