SOUTHEND United manager Steve Tilson was on hand for a celebration to mark the start of a new era for a hospital in Southend.

The Bupa Wellesley Hospital and has been rebranded as the Spire Wellesley following its sale.

Members of Southend United were invited to the launch because consultant at the hospital Alan White treats many of the players for injuries.

The Spire Wellesley Hospital, off Eastern Avenue, Southend, is part of Spire Healthcare, a private hospital provider, which has been running for 25 years.

There are 25 Spire hospitals across the UK, providing services for private and insured patients as well as NHS-funded patients under the Government's choose and book scheme.