Staff at West Suffolk Hospital were visited by a member of the royal family this week.

East Anglian Daily Times: HRH The Princess Royal. Picture: WARREN PAGE/ PAGE PIXHRH The Princess Royal. Picture: WARREN PAGE/ PAGE PIX (Image: Pagepix Ltd 07976 935738)

Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal visited the hospital in her role as Patron of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists to listen to staff about the role they play.

Her Royal Highness met with the occupational therapy teams from the West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust based in Bury St Edmunds (WSFT).

The teams provide therapy services to help patients improve their independence, health and ability to complete everyday tasks.

East Anglian Daily Times: HRH The Princess Royal. Picture: WARREN PAGE/ PAGE PIXHRH The Princess Royal. Picture: WARREN PAGE/ PAGE PIX (Image: Pagepix Ltd 07976 935738)

Dr Stephen Dunn, chief executive of WSFT said: “We are delighted to have been able to host this very special visit. Her Royal Highness’ patronage at the Royal College of Occupational Therapists has helped raise the profile of the role of occupational therapists across the country, and we were incredibly grateful for the words of support and encouragement she shared with our staff.”

Her Royal Highness received a tour around the occupational therapy department and received presentations from staff about the trust’s support to go home service, the medically optimised team and the early intervention team.

The trust’s lymphoedema service was also showcased, with a trust therapist and patient speaking to the Princess Royal about the implications of lymphoedema, and the support provided by the occupational therapy teams to help patients overcome the limitations the illness brings.

East Anglian Daily Times: HRH The Princess Royal. Picture: WARREN PAGE/ PAGE PIXHRH The Princess Royal. Picture: WARREN PAGE/ PAGE PIX (Image: Pagepix Ltd 07976 935738)

Gylda Nunn, integrated therapies manager for WSFT, said: “Working with occupational therapists has been nothing but a positive, worthwhile and fulfilling experience.

“I have found that occupational therapists are problem solvers

“They embrace change. They are natural leaders and their commitment to quality and innovation is the reason why so many new services are led by them.

“This is no easy task given some of the new and acute pressures felt in health and social care.

“I am delighted about the opportunity of this visit.

“It has been a chance to let our West Suffolk occupational therapists celebrate together – from mental health, social services, and community, to paediatrics, hospice, the hospital, and a number of other specialisms.”