Princess Anne has visited Norfolk to launch a new network for Motor Neurone Disease care.

Norwich Evening News: The Princess Royal chats with Dr David Dick during her visit to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital to launch the the Norfolk MND Care and Research Network. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYThe Princess Royal chats with Dr David Dick during her visit to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital to launch the the Norfolk MND Care and Research Network. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

Guests gathered at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH) yesterday to welcome the Princess.

The Norfolk Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Care and Research Network was officially launched as she unveiled a plaque as Royal Patron of the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA).

Wearing a Burgundy coat and chequered tweed skirt, the Princess spoke to members of the MNDA, doctors, nurses, volunteers and patients and their families.

The Princess recognised the combination of important services which are provided by the network including care, respiratory management and scientific research.

Norwich Evening News: Hospital staff watch the Princess Royal's visit to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital to launch the the Norfolk MND Care and Research Network. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYHospital staff watch the Princess Royal's visit to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital to launch the the Norfolk MND Care and Research Network. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

The Norfolk MND Care and Research Network is jointly funded by the hospital and the MNDA, and serves the Norfolk and the Waveney Valley and operates from the NNUH, James Paget University Hospital and the Queen Elizabeth Hospital as well as satellite clinics in Beccles and Cromer.

The Princess addressed those in attendance: 'I am delighted to join you and to highlight the MND Network. I think it's a really important occasion. I know Norfolk well and the size it is has its issues. The ambition of the Network is to provide the services and to make sure care can be provided as and when it is needed.

'I would like to thank those who have created the partnership, those living with MND and the health and social care professionals who notice where the needs are.'

Mark Davies, chief executive of NNUH, said: 'We would like to thank the Princess Royal for her words of encouragement and support for this MND Network.

Norwich Evening News: The Princess Royal unveils a plaque during her visit to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital to launch the the Norfolk MND Care and Research Network. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYThe Princess Royal unveils a plaque during her visit to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital to launch the the Norfolk MND Care and Research Network. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

'We look forward to continuing to work closely with the MNDA and the other partners in the network in helping improve care for people affected by MND across Norfolk.'

Mrs Sally Light, chief executive of the MNDA, said: 'We are delighted that our Royal Patron, the Princess Royal has joined us to celebrate the launch of the Norfolk MND Network.'