Downton Abbey star opens new hospital department

Hugh Bonneville opened a new children’s A&E department at St Richard’s Hospital in Chichester

Downton Abbey star Hugh Bonneville has officially opened a refurbished children’s A&E department at a hospital in West Sussex.

After a £13,000 programme of work, funded by the University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, the department at St Richard’s Hospital in Chichester can now treat up to 50 children a day.

Bonneville, who also starred in the Paddington films, cut the ribbon at an opening event on Thursday.

“My friend Paddington is busy because it is marmalade day in Windsor Gardens. But he asked me to send some deputies along and some books,” he said.

“So a couple of the children here have been enjoying cuddling Paddington.”

Paddington star Hugh Bonneville cut a ribbon at an opening event on Thursday

The upgrades at the hospital included an expansion of the waiting area and additional cubicles for patients and specialist spaces for mental health care.

Rachel Wilkinson, a children’s nurse consultant in the department, said: “It’s fantastic, it’s bigger and it’s more purpose-built.

“And it allows the children to play. We’ve got toys and distractions.”

The trust says the department has been praised by patients, families and staff for its welcoming atmosphere and improved quality of care.