An exciting day in the life of Birmingham Dental School and Hospital took place with the visit of the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh. They were here to officially open our new Dental school and Hospital facility at Pebble Mill. The excitement reached fever pitch when it was known that it was to be a Royal Visit to the School and Hospital. This was the first visit of the Queen to Birmingham since 2012 and her itinerary included both the opening of the new Grand Central New Street station and an inspection of one of the new trams to be used on the streets of Birmingham. Once these two engagements were completed, it was the turn of the new School and Hospital to be visited. Many staff and students were up early to prepare the building for the visit. After moving through the various security checks, people went to their designated areas and waited patiently for the Queen’s Arrival. We were not disappointed by her presence and people were delighted to meet with her.
The Queen entered the front entrance of the Hospital to be greeted by Tracy Taylor, Chief Executive of Birmingham Community Health Trust and Professor Philip Lumley, the Head of the School of Dentistry at the University of Birmingham. The Royal Party moved forward to introductions with the many invited dignitaries in the entrance hall.
The Queen and Prince Philip toured the facilities where they met many of our patients, clinical staff and students. The Queen was genuinely interested in the work and activities of the building taking the opportunity to talk with many of our staff and students. Following the tour, she came back to the ground floor foyer where she unveiled a plaque honouring her visit and the official opening of the building. It was then time to have lunch with assembled guests from the School, Hospital, Trust and University including the Lord Lieutenant, the Mayor of Birmingham and the Chancellor of the University of Birmingham. At the end of lunch, there was time for a few more picture opportunities as she prepared to leave and everyone was present to wish her well. Verity Thomas, a 10-year-old patient presented the Queen with a posy. There was a genuine warmth to her welcome and people were very excited to see her. As she left to go to the Royal car, there was much clapping and cheering from everyone present.
Well done to everyone who took part in the day and was involved as either a helper, demonstrator or even as an observer. It will live long in people’s memories and was a very uplifting experience for everyone. God save the Queen!
More memories from the day
There are also many pictures on
Twitter New teacher in Dental School, Helpers at the Official Opening and
various Facebook accounts!
The Birmingham Mail gave an account of the visit and the University of Birmingham also got into the act. You may also find an account on Birmingham Community Healthcare Trust Website.
BrumDentists 