GOLD medal Paralympian Deb|Criddle has opened a health-style|suite at the Nuffield Health Taunton Hospital.

She met nursing and medical staff and toured the premises before cutting the ribbon to officially open the £250,000 unit.

She said: “It was a great privilege to be asked to open the suite – it’s an excellent facility and a great investment by the Nuffield in Taunton.”

The unit offers a wide range of new procedures and services, and enables many more cases to be treated without the need for an overnight stay.

It has five treatment rooms and allows the hospital to treat patients who require minor cosmetic and other procedures such as dermatology, dental and ophthalmology.

Hospital director Paul Taylor said: “This investment allows us to offer new services, and move existing procedures to the new facilities, making them quicker and easier for patients.”