M&S Simply Food to open at St Thomas' Hospital

Work has been under way for several months to create the new entrance to the hospital which will incorporate a new range of major high street shops, cafes and a bank.

Marks & Spencer Simply Food and Cafe, Naturally AMT, Just Deli, The Stock Shop, NatWest and WHSmith will be among the retailers at Westminster Walk which is due to open around Christmas.

The M&S store will be one of only two in the country to be located in a hospital. It will include a 46-seater M&S Cafe.

AMT Coffee is embarking upon a new venture with Naturally AMT and Just Deli have been working with the NHS trust's dieticians to create a new menu.

"The new main entrance represents a step change in the experience of those who work in, are cared for in, and who visit St Thomas' – and this is just the latest stage in a whole sequence of such changes," says Amanda Millard, director of operations.

"As well as a far wider choice of shops, the new entrance will provide bigger and better reception and toilet facilities and a brighter, more welcoming atmosphere.

"Locating these new facilities within St Thomas' Hospital will set us apart by providing a level of choice for patients, visitors and staff which is not usually found in other buildings, let alone hospitals."

SE1 already has M&S Simply Food branches at Waterloo and London Bridge stations, as well as More London and Bankside. There is also a Simply Food outlet in New Kent Road.

Work is also under way to improve the public entrance to Guy's Hospital in Great Maze Pond at London Bridge.

• Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust is currently searching for premises in Waterloo for a new sexual health centre. At present no suitable property has been identified but the search is ongoing.