His Majesty, King Charles today officially opened the UK’s newest hospital, The Midland Metropolitan University Hospital.
Unveiling a plaque to mark the historic occasion at the West Midlands-based hospital, he interacted with flag-waving crowds who were delighted to see him visiting.
Beforehand, he met with dedicated NHS staff and toured the facility in Smethwick, which opened on 6 October 2024 and is run by Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust.
The King was greeted by the Trust’s Chair Sir David Nicholson and Chief Executive Diane Wake.
He was then taken to meet patients and staff on the elderly care ward.
Eighty-five-year-old Jackie, from Great Barr, said: “He was brought into my room and shook hands with my husband first and then he shook hands with me. He held my hand most of the time I was talking to him, so it was a lovely experience.
Following his visit to the ward, King Charles was taken to the Winter Garden, which is situated on the fifth floor of the hospital, where patients, staff and visitors can seek respite in a bright and colourful area filled with vibrant plants, creating a peaceful and inviting atmosphere.
During the tour he met with frontline doctors and nurses, as well as support staff, including Ward Services Officer Stephen Turner, who has worked for the organisation for over 50 years, and Jake Collins who has benefited from one of the Trust’s employment programmes. He also heard about the construction of the Learning Campus, which is overlooked by the Midland Met and will open early 2026, offering learning opportunities for local people.
Sir David Nicholson said: “Welcoming King Charles to our state-of-the-art hospital has been a real privilege. He has seen firsthand the amazing facilities that we are offering the population of Sandwell and West Birmingham, and how we are transforming healthcare across our community. He also showed a real interest in how we are educating the future workforce, with the construction of the Learning Campus and our collaboration with universities and colleges in the area.”
Date: 8 September