PRINCESS Alexandra paid a special visit to Haslemere last week, to officially open a new learning and development centre at Holy Cross Hospital.

The education centre, which has been named St Hugh’s, is just one of several projects to be completed this year to mark the centenary of the opening of the Haslemere-based hospital by the Daughters of the Cross.

The Princess was introduced to civic dignitaries, Sisters, senior medical staff and members of the team responsible for completing the building of the new education centre.

She was taken on a tour of St Hugh’s and saw a project that is nearing completion to improve the quality of care to patients.

Addressing guests, Holy Cross chief executive Christopher Hinton, said Princess Alexandra’s visit was an honour.

He said: “Although a centenary is a time for looking back with thanksgiving, here in this new building, we are looking forward.

“The imaginative design, skilful construction and modern equipment are designed to provide the best possible setting for today’s staff and future generations, to learn, enquire and encourage each other to improve the specialised services we offer,” Mr Hinton added.

“In providing us with the funds from their charity to realise this project, the Sisters are willing us on to do more and better for those whose lives have been so seriously affected by illness or injury.

“We are more than ready to take up the challenge.”

Princess Alexandra spent some time talking with the Sisters, staff, patients and their families before being invited to unveil a commemorative plaque.

The visit concluded with their special royal visitor being presented with a posy of flowers and a gift by Ian Davis who is a patient at the hospital.

The new education centre has been named after St Hugh, who is a former Bishop of Lincoln – and the patron saint of sick children and sick people.