By Duncan Mackay

Sophie Christansen opening new unit Wexham Park Hospital June 3 2013June 5 - A new modular ward has been named after treble London 2012 Paralympic gold medallist dressage rider Sophie Christiansen in the hospital she has received extensive treatment in. 


The rider, who now has a total of five Paralympic gold medals, having also won two at Beijing 2008, opened the new Christiansen Unit at Wexham Park Hospital in Slough. 

Christiansen, who has cerebral palsy, was born by emergency cesarean at Heatherwood Hospital in in Ascot in November 1987, and has been treated at both Heatherwood and Wexham Park Hospitals for small bumps and bruises through to potentially life-threatening illnesses.

"I am truly honoured to have this ward named after me," said the 25-year-old, who lives in Maidenhead.

You saved my life when I was a baby, and without you I wouldn't be here today.

"You guys are part of my life, and I want to say thank you for putting me back together when I fall off - which I'm pleased to say I don't do too often."

The new 16-bed unit, which has a 25-year lifespan, provides care for patients following surgery and uses the principles of enhanced recovery, which helps patients get better quicker.

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