The Princess Royal has officially opened a brand new medical facility which can provide over 1,000 beds for Scottish patients being treated for coronavirus. Princess Anne inaugurated the new hospital in Glasgow in an online ceremony.
Speaking during the official opening, the princess offered her thanks to all involved in setting up the facility which was created in just three weeks in response to the outbreak of coronavirus. During a videocall, Princess Anne discussed the impact that the pandemic is having on millions of lives, saying ”while many people feel frustrated and helpless, the Louisa Jordan Hospital is a way of being positive and helpful”.
The Princess Royal also talked about the importance of the name chosen for the hospital which is based in Glasgow. Louisa Jordan was born in the city and worked as a pioneering nurse during the First World War, joining the Scottish Women’s Hospitals which were founded by Elsie Inglis to provide opportunities for female medics to support the community at a time when the profession was male dominated. Princess Anne has previously paid tribute to the organisation’s work.
The princess added that the same devotion shown by Louisa Jordan is being demonstrated by ”nurses, medical and support staff across Scotland today”. And Anne went on to say about the hospital ”although we would all hope that it doesn’t need to be used, we can all be very grateful that it exists”.
The NHS Louisa Jordan Hospital was begun on March 31st and completed on April 19th.