The agency has been briefed to raise the hospital's profile as a centre of clinical excellence in paediatrics, obstetrics and women's health, targeting GPs and consumers to showcase the breadth of services offered.

Laura Roberts, marketing manager at The Portland Hospital, said: "It is an exciting time for us as we continue to grow and expand our specialisms from the highest level of paediatric critical care through to more routine outpatient procedures.

"Every day we are privileged to be involved in pioneering treatments and patient care and it is a story we are keen to tell. The Weber Shandwick team demonstrated a fresh, creative approach and we are delighted to be working with them."

Emily Thomas, associate director of consumer health at Weber Shandwick, said: "The Portland Hospital is renowned for its maternity services because of the profile of its patients. Our partnership focuses on how we secure recognition for its wider specialisms and clinical practice, leveraging the inspirational array of consultants and patient case studies to build trust and familiarity in the hospital."