Princess Alexandra visited Epsom Hospital and opened one of the biggest urology centres of its kind in the south east on Friday.

The youngest granddaughter of King George V toured the department which treats disorders of the kidneys, bladder, prostate and reproductive organs.

The Princess unveiled a plaque and met hospital staff, members of the team who built the unit and charity workers who helped to fund the centre. The refurbishment cost £700,000 and contains hi-tech equipment worth millions.

Daniel Elkeles, chief executive of the hospital trust, said: "It was an absolute honour and privilege to welcome Princess Alexandra to Epsom Hospital.

Surrey Comet:

"All of the doctors, nurses and other staff who work in the centre, and those who helped build it, are incredibly proud of the new urology unit."

It is one of the leading centres for treating kidney stones in Europe, a national leader in removing kidneys through keyhole surgery and a leading centre of prostate cancer diagnosis in this country.

Mr Elkeles said: "It is one of the biggest of its kind in the south east of England, and with experts across the field of urology specialties working so closely together, we are able to offer patients a superb level of care in an efficient and welcoming atmosphere.

"In the care of some of our urology patients, such as kidney and prostate cancers, receiving timely treatment can be a matter of life and death. We have to make sure that every part of the care we provide is the best it can be.

"We were delighted that Her Royal Highness took the time to hear more about the work that goes on in the centre, and to declare it officially open."

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A spokeswoman at the trust said a procedure that uses shock waves to break up kidney stones had been moved over from the Sutton Hospital site.

She said: "We have created this bigger, better space that brings together urology services to one place."