Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust has announced the official opening of the Forest of Dean Community Hospital. 

The facility in Gloucestershire, England was inaugurated by the Princess Royal on 7 June. 

According to the Trust, the hospital's opening is the result of over ten years of consultation and planning aimed at providing a modern, purpose-built facility.  

It is designed to cater to the needs of Forest of Dean residents now and in the future.  

A report by BBC highlights that the new hospital replaces two former hospitals in the district, The Dilke Memorial Hospital and Lydney and District Hospital. 

Operational since May, the building offers a range of services including inpatient beds, outpatient departments, as well as a Minor Injury and Illness Unit. 

Located on Steam Mills Road in Cinderford, Gloucestershire, the new community hospital has a total of 24 beds and offers several modern facilities.  

The construction of the hospital began in July 2022 and represents a significant investment in the region's healthcare infrastructure. 

The two-storey hospital is equipped with a wide range of services including physiotherapy services, a dental clinic, X-ray, and endoscopy services.  

It has been constructed to meet the BREEAM 'Excellent' standard, reflecting a commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency.  

The Trust said that the hospital's design incorporates various measures to reduce environmental impact and optimise energy usage. 

Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust chief executive Douglas Blair said: “We were delighted when The Princess Royal accepted our invitation to perform the official opening and visit our new hospital.  

“The event also served as a thank you to all the colleagues – both current and former – who have been involved in bringing the new hospital to fruition and providing the first class facilities we now have, which mean we are better able to support the people we care for both now and for decades to come.”