Percy Pig helped celebrate the opening of a new M&S food store inside the Countess of Chester Hospital today.

The opening marks another milestone in efforts to improve patient and family experiences at the local hospital where more food and drinks options will now be available. Staff, patients and visitors will now be able to buy deli produce, lunch meal deals, hot and cold drinks and a wide range of other quality M&S produce at the new 1000 sq ft store, which is situated in former office space inside the main entrance, opposite the Essentials shop.

Creating new jobs for around 20 staff, the store will be open seven days a week from 7am-8pm, and includes a click and collect facility for customers. The opening is the latest expansion in the Trust’s strategic partnership with Compass Group UK & Ireland’s One Retail, who were also behind the introduction of a Costa coffee shop in the hospital in 2021.

Cutting the ribbon to mark the opening of the new store were members of the Trust’s executive team, staff from Compass and M&S’ very own Percy Pig, who also visited the children’s ward to give out his famous sweets to patients.

Karen Edge, the Trust’s Chief Financial Officer, said: “We are thrilled to see Marks & Spencer open its doors inside the Countess of Chester Hospital. “Making sure our patients, families and visitors have more choice is very important to us and this new store will provide more food and drink options for them. “Being able to conveniently access high quality food and drink is a key part of our approach to the experience our patients and their families have whilst they are in our hospital.”

Andy Jones, Managing Director of One Retail, part of Compass Group UK & Ireland added: “It is great to see the M&S open at the hospital. Our partnership with the Countess of Chester Hospital has ensured the widening of their retail offer and enhancing the use of tech.”I am sure staff, visitors and patients will enjoy the improved choice available.”