Patients, families and staff at Spire Harpenden Hospital came together to celebrate the opening of the hospital's new reception and specially designed artwork.

Peter Lilley, Harpenden and Hitchin MP, was there to officially open the facilities and view the new artwork last Friday, following a recent investment of £300,000.

The opening was followed by a tour of the new Heartwood Chemotherapy ward where the new artwork is displayed in patients’ rooms.

Each artist took time to explain their vision behind their final piece and how they created it.

Hospital Director, Julia Salmon, said: "The project to integrate our local community into our hospital by way of art work throughout the reception and new ward has taken six months.

"Our dedication to providing a positive patient experience extends to the décor, we’ve chosen colours on both the walls and in the artwork that aid restfulness, recovery to full health and wellbeing.

"My thanks go out to our patients for their continued support, suggestions for designs and their tolerance throughout the refurbishments and to my hospital teams for positivity embracing the changes."

Spire Healthcare is one of the UK’s largest private hospital providers with 39 hospitals, including St Anthony’s, and 13 clinics nationwide. The company offers a full range of integrated surgical, medical and diagnostic services.