Football players joined hospital staff at a party this week to celebrate a “landmark day” for the site when it was officially renamed.

Spire London East Hospital in Roding Lane South, Woodford welcomed Jack Collinson and Carlton Cole, formerly of West Ham United FC, to cut the ribbon at a ceremony on Thursday, April 12.

Pearly King and Queen tribute band, The Cockney Pride, were on hand to entertain guests with traditional songs such as ‘Maybe it’s because I’m a Londoner’.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Pearly King John Knowles with Queen, Terri Morgan and Paul Higgs.

The 40-bed private hospital, formerly known as Spire Roding Hospital, first opened 32 years ago.

Hospital director Adrian Brady hopes the new name will raise the profile of the hospital across Essex and London.  

He was presented with a jersey bearing the name ‘Spire London East’ by West Ham United FC, which is an official fundraising partner of the hospital.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

“We knew from research that the hospital was not easily recognised by members of the local community and a bit further out,” said Mr Brady.

“We wanted a new name that would be recognised throughout east London and in central London.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Adrian Brady, hospital director, Natasha Browne, hospital business development manager, and Gary Lewin, West Ham head of medical.

“There was a great atmosphere at the celebrations and it was a landmark day for the hospital. The staff have gotten behind this change whole-heartedly and we are very excited about it.”