TELEVISION presenter Anthea Turner paid a visit to the new children's out-patient unit on Monday for its official opening.

Former National Lottery and Blue Peter star Anthea joined retired consultant paediatrician Dr Krishnan Chandran for the ribbon cutting ceremony.

The new purpose built unit was named after Dr Chandran in honour of his establishment and development of the paediatric service during his 27 year long career with the Trust.

The unit, which will see about 7,500 children each year, cost £184,000 and was funded by Mid Cheshire Hospitals with extra money from the hospital's League of Friends and WRVS.

It was designed in-house by Mid Cheshire Hospitals Trust Estates Department in consultation with paediatric medical and nursing staff.

Safety features were paramount and the unit includes low surface temperature radiators, high level electricity sockets and door finger trap guards.

After the official opening Anthea toured the new facilities and met young patients and their parents.

Dr Bob Pugh, clinical director for paediatrics, said: "The unit has actually been receiving patients since July 5 this year when the building work was completed.

"Since then we have been overwhelmed with the positive feedback provided by parents and youngsters about the benefits of the new facilities in helping to take the fear out of visiting hospital.

"We are thrilled that Miss Turner and Dr Chandran accepted our invitation to put the seal on this very successful project with an official opening."

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.