We have never seen so many congratulatory wreaths as were displayed outside the New Lokman Hekim Esnaf Hospital when it was officially opened on Thursday, 12th January.

Our picture shows around half the total wreaths and that amazing balloon ribbon.

But then it wasn't just the opening of a new hospital that was being celebrated, but also 15 years of successful operation of the Esnaf, since it was originally set up in 1996.

Then it had four doctors, 12 other personnel and one ambulance.

The new building houses 28 specialist doctors, 8 general practitioners, around 300 other personnel, 5 ambulances, 62 rooms for in-patients and 2 Intensive Care Units. The move has seen an additional doctor added to the Departments of Gynaecology, Internal Medicine and Paediatrics, together with the opening of a Plastic Surgery Department and the appointment of an experienced surgeon.

And for all you British residents this is the face to look for.

Margaret King, who first started working part-time at the Hospital, is now Manager of the Foreign Patient Department.

Margaret has lived in Turkey for almost nine years, speaks the language and loves her job.

She is also a regular Fethiye Times reader – so clearly a woman of taste.

Before the ribbon was cut to officially open the hospital, there were 50 minutes' of speeches all of which congratulated the team at the Esnaf on their success to date, and predicted a glowing future in their spacious new premises.

We wish them luck.