A NEW ward for cancer patients and a critical care unit were officially unveiled at the Harpenden Spire Hospital last night.

The private hospital has expanded its services and says it is aiming provide a better quality of care for local people.

Arsenal legend Bob Wilson was invited in his capacity as chairman of the Willow Foundation to open the wards.

Bob and his wife Megs set up the charity in memory of their daughter who died of cancer aged 31.

As well as being the special guest to visit the facilities, hospital bosses handed the charity a £500 donation.

While cutting the ribbon Bob said: “In all my years of being a footballer and TV presenter my daughter's five years in hospital were the most enriching.

“It's a strange word to use but she made it simple. There were days when she was down, she had 16 operations and it was all down to the hospital and its staff.

“Being here I understand why all this equipment is needed and what it will mean for the patients.

“Congratulations to everyone here for their hard work. I know so many people who will benefit from the services.”

The eight-bed ward for cancer patients will focus on chemotherapy and the four-bed critical care unit is equipped with state-of-the-art technology to deal with complex cases.

Doctors and nurses at the hospital turned out last night for the official unveiling and were treated to a tour of the wards.

Hospital director Julia Salmon said: “With the new units we hope to give cancer patients within the area more accessible services.

“The hospital will be providing care in areas we have not been able to provide before as many would have to travel into London or Mount Vernon Hospital.”

As well as the two units the hospital, in Ambrose Lane, has also purchased a new MRI scanner.