First to be completed was the A&E coffee shop. This was followed by the Level 8 food court in the Millennium Wing, which was reopened last month.

Irena Wasylowsky, WRVS retail operations manager said: "The refit of the A&E tea bar has gone well and looks really great. We have had a lot of positive comments from staff on how it looks, and what a difference.

"It cost £40K to do the redevelopment which was donated from the profits that we make. This was reinvested into making the environment for patients, staff and visitors to the hospital better."

Despite the difficult conditions, takings were maintained while providing a temporary service during the two weeks of the refit, which, she added, "is amazing and a credit to our volunteers."