THE Princess Royal will visit the Royal Bournemouth Hospital's Jigsaw Building on Monday.

The multi-million pound building, which houses state-of-the-art facilities for the treatment of cancer and blood disorders on the ground floor and the new women’s health unit on the first floor, accepted its first patients late last year.

Princess Anne will conduct the official opening at 3pm before touring the building and meeting with patients and staff, as well as exploring its exterior where plans are under way to create a sensory garden for patients.

Tony Spotswood, the Trust's CEO, said: "We are very proud of our new building as we know what a difference it will make in the care of patients throughout our region.

"I am delighted for all the people who have been involved with the Jigsaw Building project that its opening is being recognised with this visit."

Funded by donations, money raised in two 'Jigsaw Appeals' and funds from the Bournemouth Hospital Charity as well as NHS investment, the building is designed to create more space for the Trust's rapidly expanding outpatient and day case treatments.

Debbie Anderson, the Trust's head of fundraising, said: "The Jigsaw Building wouldn’t exist without the tireless efforts of the Bournemouth Hospital Charity’s fundraisers and supporters, who have strived to bring this centre of excellence to Bournemouth, saving lives and benefitting thousands of patients.

"I am so pleased that the Princess Royal will be officially opening this centre and thank all those who were involved in with the fundraising to make this building possible."

During her visit to the county Princess Anne will also open a new exhibition on the crews of First World War tanks at the Tank Museum, Bovington, and launch Roadwise - a multi-million pound 'mini village' in Weymouth where motorists can brush up on their driving skills.