The Queen to officially open Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital

The Queen will perform the official opening of the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital on Thursday, 5 February, 2004, it has been announced today.

The 989-bed Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH) first opened to patients in November 2001 and replaced the former Norfolk and Norwich and West Norwich hospitals. The moves from the two old hospitals to NNUH were completed in January 2003.

Hospital chief executive Stephen Day said: “The hospitals we moved from had long and happy associations with the Royal Family and we are delighted that tradition will continue with The Queen's visit to officially open Norfolk's newest hospital.”

The Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital is the newest teaching hospital in the country and the largest single-build hospital to ever be built in the country. The hospital trust treats more than 500,000 patients a year and employs more than 5,200 staff.

Media Contacts: Andrew Stronach or Hayley Gerrard on 01603 287200