The New Victoria Hospital in Kingston opened a brand new outpatient sweet and reception area today (April 8).

The official opening ceremony was attended by the Mayor of Royal Borough of Kingston, Cllr Thay Thayalan and David Marshall, chief executive of New Victoria Hospital, who stayed to welcome the first few outpatients into the new spaces.

Monday's ceremony marked the completion of the private, charity-owned hospital’s extensive £30m redevelopment.

A New Victoria Hospital spokesperson said that the new entrance and reception lead to a modern outpatient facility with increased capacity, including twelve consulting rooms, a cardiac diagnostic room, five treatment rooms including for colposcopy, audiology and phlebotomy.

Cllr Thayalan praised the new facilities and highlighted their timely opening alongside the hopital's own anniversary.

Cll Thayalan said: "Congratulations to New Victoria Hospital for completion of this impressive redevelopment, which provides top class facilities for patients and staff alike. It is particularly timely as the Hospital marks its 60th anniversary."

Mr Marshall meanwhile praised the staff at the hospital who had been working under more difficult circumstances during the development.

Mr Marshall said: "Our staff have continued to work in difficult circumstances during all the building work and now they will be able to do their jobs in a more comfortable environment in purpose built facilities.

"The Hospital has been here for 60 years. My vision is to develop the Hospital for another 60 years."

A plaque to commemorate the new outpatient suite will be unveiled by HRH Princess Alexandra on Saturday, May 11.

The hospital is privately owned by The Victoria Foundation, a charity that offers medical provision and also helps fund aspiring junior doctors and nurses.

For more information go to www.newvictoria.co.uk