Prince Charles visited his local hospital in Tetbury on Wednesday to thank the staff for their continued hard work and support to the community during this unprecedented year.

The small community hospital which became a charity 27 years ago has kept a service running throughout most of the pandemic.

Tetbury Hospital were delighted to welcome their patron who last visited in 2015 and were keen to show The Prince of Wales how the hospital has adapted to the situation since March.

Prince Charles was met on arrival by the chairman of Tetbury Hospital Jeremy Lodwick, who handed over to hospital matron Sarah Taylor, who escorted His Royal Highness for the 30 minute social distanced tour.

The Prince of Wales met staff members in the Outpatients Unit and the Minor Injury Unit.

Matron, Mrs Sarah Taylor, who has worked at the hospital for two years said: “On behalf of the staff at Tetbury Hospital I would like to thank His Royal Highness for giving his time to meet and talk to them on Wednesday.

"It was greatly appreciated as the teams have been working hard to provide a service to the local community.

"This was an enormous moral boost for our incredibly dedicated staff during these unprecedented times, as they shared their stories of the challenges they have faced and how we have overcome them.”

During the pandemic, the hospital responded in a number of ways sending some of their staff to help out at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital.

They also sent some of their equipment including ventilators to GRH as well.

Debbie Loewenthal, day surgery lead, who was seconded to GRH for four months and currently still supports the acute hospital, said: “It was really lovely to meet His Royal Highness.

"He spent time with each member of our team and it really lifted our spirits at the end of a difficult year.”

During the pandemic, The Minor Injuries Unit and the X-ray Department remained open throughout the initial lockdown in March, and outpatient appointments continued via telephone, where possible.

Unfortunately, the Day Surgery Unit was temporarily closed during the same period, but this meant members of staff could be released to work in the frontline hospitals to help support the fight against the virus.

The Prince of Wales ended his visit by signing the Visitors Book and was presented with a copy of The Tetbury Hospital Cook Book and two Tetbury Hospital Mugs.

Mrs Zena Dalton, CEO, added: “It is always a pleasure to welcome His Royal Highness to our hospital.

"I am so proud of our staff and what they have achieved this year.

"Thursday was the perfect way for us to look back on 2020 and bring it to a close.

"We can now begin to look forward to the New Year with hope.”