A SURPRISE invasion by a trio of opera singers marked the opening of York Hospital's new retail and reception area.
Senior health chiefs were stunned when two "porters" wheeling a trolley through the crowd during the ceremony suddenly unveiled a glamorous opera diva, who burst into song.
The trio, known as Opera On The Run, specialise in surprise entrances, and sang an array of opera favourites, including Nessun Dorma.
The hospital's new reception and continental-style indoor shopping centre is part of its continuing redevelopment programme. York Hospitals Trust teamed up with retail development company British Health Enterprise who invested more than £1 million into the building of the retail area.
Jim Easton, chief executive of York Hospitals Trust, said: "The opera was fantastic and a real surprise. It was the perfect way to mark the occasion and put a smile on peoples' faces.
"We are delighted that so many patients and staff are happy with the new facilities."
Updated: 10:19 Thursday, April 29, 2004
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