HIGH street names Costa Coffee and M&S Simply Food are now open at Bradford Royal Infirmary as part of its £28 million new wing.

The new shopping experience for patients, visitors and staff is located at the hospital's main entrance off Duckworth Lane

The refurbishment also includes Amigos newsagents, an all-day Lifestyle restaurant and a 24-hour vended/kiosk service selling food, drinks and snacks.

Despite the arrival of all the the new food and drink outlets, the tea bars loyally run by the Friends of BRI in the orthopaedic outpatients and Ear, Nose and Throat unit and at St Luke’s Hospital will carry on as usual.

The new food and retail services, which pay rent to Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, are being delivered by Compass Group UK and Ireland, the UK’s largest food services company.

Shane Embleton, head of capital projects for Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “The opening of our new retail concourse is a very exciting opportunity for the Trust and we are delighted to be able to bring these well-known High Street brands to the hospital.

“We are really pleased with the finished results as a lot of hard work has gone into bringing the ideas of our staff and patients into reality.”

The introduction of the shops has already won praise.

Medical secretary Nora Brook said: “It’s amazing and I think it will have a great effect on patient experience because it has a real feel-good factor about it. Patients will be able to sit in a lovely environment and enjoy a coffee. It gives them somewhere to go.”

Diane Bunting, who is also a medical secretary, said: “I think it’s brilliant for staff. I’ve already done my shopping for the next few days. It’s a great resource for people and a real boost for the hospital.”

Mum Sally Smith was waiting to be picked up with six-year-old daughter Jasmine, after her tonsillectomy. She said: “We’ve been lucky enough to be here for the big opening and I think it’s fantastic.

"It has a kind of airport departure lounge feel about which is a nice feeling. It instantly puts you at your ease when you walk into the hospital because it’s not clinical. It’s a lovely bright environment and I think that will make people feel instantly relaxed.”