THE historic move of patients into Worcestershire's new hospital has been hailed a success by health chiefs.

Four days after the multi-million pound acute hospital in Newtown Road opened its doors for business members of the trust board allowed themselves a pat on the back.

"The move went smoothly and very successfully and I would like to add my personal thanks to everyone involved," said Ruth Harrison, chief executive of Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust.

"During all the activity we had two emergency operations going on at the same time. It was quite extraordinary.

"This was the first time the NHS has undertaken a move in this way and this weekend when we move the patients from Castle Street we have had a request to be shadowed."

Cath Plain, director of nursing and midwifery, said she would never forget the day when patients saw the entrance hall of the hospital for the first time.

"One patient looked up with large eyes and said it looked like an airport. I also had another elderly woman compare it to a hotel, telling me she was going to dine in the restaurant with her husband that night," she said.

"We will all remember certain things about the weekend, not least the team spirit among staff and all the volunteers.

"Although everyone looked exhausted at the end of the move there were many happy faces as all the patients had been safely moved.

"I hope we can repeat the exercise when we complete the move this weekend."

Chairman Michael O'Riordan congratulated everyone and said the Trust now had the right spirit to move forward across the three hospital sites.

"I have been in post three months and now realise we have excellent facilities within the county and superb staff," he said.