Medical staff told the princess they were "very fortunate" there were no life-threatening injuries
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The Princess Royal arrives for a visit at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital to meet and thank emergency responders
The Princess Royal arrives for a visit at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital to meet and thank emergency responders
(Image: PA)
Medical staff who treated those injured after a car ploughed into pedestrians at the Liverpool FC Premier League parade on Monday have told Princess Anne it was "very, very fortunate" there were not more serious injuries.
The Princess Royal was already due to be in Liverpool today to visit Cunard ship the Queen Anne, which arrived on Monday to mark the cruise line's 185th anniversary.
Her Royal Highness made an additional stop at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital, meeting hospital and ambulance staff as well as representatives from Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service and the football club, after 65 people were injured on Water Street on Monday.
Divisional medical director for surgery at Aintree University Hospital Marc Lucky told the princess they had put out an alert for staff to come in.
He said: “It’s a very good example of the resilience and people volunteering. We had too many people, which is a very interesting complaint to have.”
He told the royal the injuries were not “major traumas”. He said: “We were very, very fortunate yesterday, I must say.”
Consultant Jay Rathore said: “Most of the injuries were limb injuries. No life-threatening, we were able to manage them.”
The Princess Royal meets with Liam Robinson (centre), Leader of Liverpool City Council, and Chris Barrett from Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, and Jonathan Bamber, as she arrives for a visit to the Royal Liverpool University Hospital
The Princess Royal meets Liam Robinson (centre), leader of Liverpool City Council, Chris Barrett from Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service and Jonathan Bamber, as she arrives for a visit at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital
Specialist paramedic Susan McCormick told the Princess she was one of the first responders on scene as she and a colleague were treating a man for something unrelated when the incident happened.
Advanced paramedic Gary Fitzpatrick told their royal visitor: “We actually had a plan before the event so we were quite prepared for the situation.”
Nurses told Anne, who is patron of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, that planning they had done for major incidents kicked in on the day and processes worked.
Liverpool City Council leader Liam Robinson thanked Princess Anne for her visit. He said: “We really appreciate you still coming, because it will mean a lot to the people of the city.”
A Buckingham Palace spokesman said: “The Princess would like to share her heartfelt condolences and support for the families and communities affected.
"Her Royal Highness also wishes to acknowledge the courage of the emergency services, some of whom she met today, and all those providing care and comfort during this difficult time.”
A photo exhibition which had been due to be held to celebrate the anniversary was cancelled following the incident at the parade.