Birmingham Children'S Hospital And Charity

Just look at all of these smiley faces! We could not be more proud of our 57 inspirational children and young people who came away from this year’s British Transplant Games with a record-breaking 114 medals between them. Held on home soil here in Birmingham, the weekend saw our largest team yet compete to become Best Liver Team and Best Children’s Team for the 22nd year running. These annual games mean so much to us, our children, young people and their families and we all know first-hand the difference the gift of a life-saving organ means. A huge thank you to our charity too which was a key sponsor of the entire games this year. To find out more about organ donation or to join the register – it only takes two minutes – visit http://socsi.in/K1NmH

Today we want to wish our incredible #TeamBCH supporters good luck @The British Transplant Games Donor Run. The Donor Run spreads awareness of the importance of organ donation, bringing together transplant patients and their loved ones. We appreciate the life-saving message you’re sharing, and the support you’re giving to our patients- thank you!

Birmingham City Council is proposing a new Clean Air Zone from 2020 to try and make where we live and work a healthier place. It’s really important to us that we understand how these proposals might affect you and your journeys to our hospital. To help us do this, we’d appreciate it if you could fill in our online survey before Monday 6 August. Your thoughts will help inform our Trust’s response to the plans and will give the council a better understanding of how they might be able to make getting to us when you need to as easy as possible. It should only take around five minutes but could have a huge impact on the future of our city: http://socsi.in/zznrn

Throughout August we want to shine a light on some of our fab teams who might not always get the praise we think they deserve. As part of this, we're thrilled to introduce our incredible Intensive Care Family Liaison team. These four phenomenal women support almost all of the 1,400 children, young people and families admitted to our PICU every year. They’ve been described as a light in the darkest of times and are always on hand to help our families with anything they need, f...rom finance advice to sibling support. From the moment a family arrives, the team are there and often stay in contact with families long after leaving the unit. They even hold social events, such as an annual Summer Party, for both past and present patients and families and have taken their work nationally, encouraging other PICUs to develop similar teams in their areas. Keep up the fantastic work!
See More

Our home The British Transplant Games has finally arrived and as a proud partner we’d like to offer a huge welcome to the thousands of competitors and supporters from across the UK who have flocked to Birmingham to take part in the biggest ever celebration of the 'Gift of Life.' Over the next few days transplant recipients will compete in a host of events including swimming, tennis, athletics, cycling and more, in a bid to bag themselves a medal and raise vital awareness about the life-saving importance of organ donation. We’re wishing a special good luck to our inspirational superstars who make up our largest ever Birmingham Children's Hospital team. Have a great time everyone and #GoTeamBCH. To find out more about organ donation and to register head to http://socsi.in/bqenX

Thanks to your amazing fundraising and generous donations, our charity has been able to fund play rooms and play equipment to help keep our youngsters entertained. Three-year-old Kadie-Leigh has been a patient at our hospital since she was just a few days old, her rare kidney condition means she has to visit us for regular check-ups and last year she had surgery which lasted a mammoth 17 and a half hours. Coming to hospital is a huge ordeal for Kadie-Leigh but playing helps t...o ease her fears. Her Nan, Teresa, says: “If it wasn’t for the play services, I don’t know what Kadie-Leigh would have done. Playing helps to distract her from the real reason we’re at the hospital.” This #PlayDay, we want to say a huge thank you to all our incredible supporters. Thanks to you, playrooms, art sessions, singing and various games help lift the spirits of our sick kids every single day.
See More

Poor air quality shortens our life expectancy by at least six months and toxic chemicals in the air can cause a range of illnesses in people of all ages. Unfortunately, air quality in Birmingham breaches safe levels, which is why the city council is proposing a Clean Air Zone from 2020 to make where we live and work a healthier place. Our hospital is included in the proposed zone. As part of the public consultation we want to find out how you travel to us to understand how the proposals might affect our families. This will help the city council understand how they can make things as easy as possible for you to get to us when you need to. To get involved, please take five minutes to fill in our online survey before Monday 6 August: http://socsi.in/Y9MdS

This #FriendshipDay we’re shining a light on one of our fantastic young fundraisers, Louis Johnson. Having had a passion for fundraising since he was just five-years-old, Louis decided to support our charity this year because his best friend Ben is one of our patients - sadly Ben’s condition is terminal. As well as supporting his friend through his illness, Louis has used his spare time to focus on organising many fundraisers including cake sales, raffles, a sell-out Hallowee...n party and a Beauty and the Beast afternoon tea party. Louis’ hard work has seen him raise an incredible £3,000 so far – amazing! As well as receiving our charity’s Young Fundraiser of the Year award, Louis was also awarded the BCyA medal (British Citizen Youth Award) at the House of Lords for his dedication to fundraising. Well done Louis – Ben thinks you’re a friend in a million!
See More

The SACA - Charity Bike Ride kicks off today in Birmingham, where 100 incredible supporters are pedalling 130 miles to London to raise money for our #CriticalJourneysAppeal. We wish you all the best of luck and hope you have an unforgettable experience!

National treasure Sir Lenny Henry CBE made a surprise visit to Ward 1 today. Sir Lenny took time out of his busy schedule to spend time on our kidney ward, where he met with excited patients, families and staff as well as one of our charity-funded ‘giggle doctors’, Dr Flowerpot. His visit was a huge success and Sir Lenny helped to put a smile on all of our sick kids faces. Thank you for coming to see us!

Rheumatology Medical Secretary Miriam is a positive, hardworking and caring team member who always goes above and beyond, which is why she was picked out to be this month’s staff-nominated Star of the Month. Miriam always displays compassion towards concerned parents who can often be worried about their children and diligently escalates any of their issues to the appropriate team member. She’s described as being “loved and respected by all team members” and her colleagues were keen for her to be recognised for her outstanding efforts. Do you know a team or individual who you think demonstrates superstar qualities like Miriam? Nominate them here: http://socsi.in/5IFx8

The British Transplant Games are just around the corner and our fantastic #TeamBCH can't wait! One of our incredible team members is 12-year-old Ella Noon, who underwent a liver transplant here at our hospital when she was just two-years-old. 10 years later, her family has marked the special anniversary by climbing Snowdon to raise money for our charity. We can't thank them enough for their support and wish Ella the best of luck in the games this year. You can join Ella and her team mates at this year's Donor Run by signing up here: http://socsi.in/sm62L

Un-bear-lievable! Our #TheBigSleuth sale continues and everything must go…
Our bestsellers this week have been:
• The Big Sleuth tea towel... • Dr Bear coaster • Florence figurine • Dr Bear mug • Dr Bear key ring
Don't miss out on your favourite Big Sleuth memories, get yours today http://socsi.in/J19zu
See More

On Saturday, 100 wonderful supporters conquered our 2018 Snowdon challenge, scaling over 3,500ft of mountain and covering ten miles. We're so thankful to all those who joined us, and helped to raise much needed funds for the women, babies and families in our care. So far, our fantastic fundraisers have helped to raise over £18,000 and we're still waiting for more money to come in. We couldn't be more proud of our amazing #TeamBCH trekkers, and want to say a HUGE thank you to every single person who took on the challenge, and all those who have sponsored them.

This morning, we waved off #TeamBCH as they left to conquer Snowdon to raise vital funds for the sick kids in our care. Together they’ve raised over £15,000, and this total is still increasing. We can’t thank you enough for your support - good luck!

Today is #GetToKnowYourCustomerDay so our Fundraising Hub want to hear from YOU! Comment below and tell us what you would like to see in the hub and online this year.

Today we were proud to hold our Annual General Meeting (AGM) celebrating our first full year as a united Trust. We know annual reports can sometimes be a bit dry but our fun and engaging video features our Chief Executive Sarah-Jane Marsh answering the big questions that our children and young people, families and staff are asking and covers all of the key topics from the report. If you’d like to read the full report, please head to our website http://socsi.in/cmB4R.

Hopefully you’ve already seen our episode of the incredible ‘How the NHS Changed Our World’ documentary series which aired across BBC channels recently, in celebration of the 70th birthday of the NHS. If not, don’t worry as you’ve still got time to catch up online via the iPlayer. The 30-minute film shines a light on the revolutionary work of our hospital over the years, delving into our rich history of innovation from pioneering training to cutting edge treatments for those ...with complex heart and liver conditions. Hosted by Dr Hilary Jones, you’re sure to spot some familiar faces too including our phenomenal cardiac surgeons Mr Bill Brawn and Mr David Barron, Consultant Hepatologist and the founder of our Liver Unit Professor Deirdre Kelly CBE and many others. You’ve got until Thursday 26 July to watch it, so make sure you catch up sooner rather than later: http://socsi.in/aWRF0
See More

Fundraising is easy as A.B.C! With the school holidays around the corner, we've asked our favourite bear to share some handy tips on how to keep the whole family entertained this summer. Why not set the kids a fitness challenge and get moving this summer by joining our 'Move It' campaign? Register online to get your FREE fundraising pack today! http://socsi.in/L3qgp

**Just one week to go until our Snowdon Challenge! **
This is your very last chance to register and take on that challenge you've always wanted to. Why not come along with your family or friends? Transport from Birmingham, an experienced mountain guide and lunch is included and you'll be helping us do more for our patients and families with every step.
Register today: http://socsi.in/NMnBL

We received excellent care from every professional we came into contact with. My daughter was always included in decisions about her care and the nurses and surgeons communicated everything clearly to us throughout. The staff within theatres also deserve a special mention, their skill in putting my daughter (and me!) at ease was exceptional. Thank you all so much

Visited the Children’s A&E department today via ambulance after my son fractured the two bones in his forearm. I have never been as proud and grateful of the NHS as I was today. As an ex-nurse and health visitor I am so very grateful to all the nurses doctors and radiologist that treated him today. They did so with efficiency and compassion. They kept me informed about everything and even made my eldest son and I tea and toast. We are so so lucky to have the NHS and long may it stay

Thanks to #BirminghamChildrensHospital another successful operation for my handsome chap. From the nurses to the anesthetics to the surgeon he was and is always looked after really well including the check ups at the eye department a very greatful mum and dad

Staff extremely friendly and helpful at reception, very efficient. Medical, nursing and associated staff exceptional. Like how they talk to the kids first and parent for additional info, it’s a great way to make them feel they have an important part in the process (which of course they do) and good preparation for when they’re older, ensures independence. Many thanks to all at BCH.

Seems like forever ago but what an amazing hospital if it weren’t for the amazing staff my Oliver wouldn’t be here ! I will be forever grateful to everybody who helped us especially as we were so far from home (South Wales)

Thank you !! Xx

Our son received excellent care at BCH. We took him to the A&E department 2 and a half weeks ago after being dismissed by another hospital 4 times for just having a bug. BCH A&E agreed with us that he wasn't right and scanned him straight away. Results were almost instantaneous but unfortunately we received the devastating news that our son had a brain tumour. We were told straight away what the plan was. The operation was 3 days later and now 2 and a half weeks on, he's recovering well at home. Ward 10 staff are wonderful. The surgeons are utterly amazing. I will not take my kids anywhere but BCH. Thank you Ward 10 xx

My daughter was admitted yesterday morning...and i wanted to say thank you for the care that she received. Our first stop was surgical day care where two ladies were taking care of her and they were amazing. The surgeon came round and chatted and made isla feel very comfortable. And the aneisnatist was just fantastic made my 6 year old laugh and took any worry i had away. After that ee was taken to ward one. And again it was class A care.. they got us what we needed they were helpful even though they was so busy. Kind ans friendly. Now these staff members had gotton to work in the most horrid weather conditions and im so greatful. Keep doing what you are doing as you should be veey proud of yourselves. I cant thank you enough for taking care of us while we was there x

My daughter regularly sees the cf team who are just fantastic. But she was admitted to waed 7 for just over two weeks. They are brilliant. They went above and beyond for ny daughter, her big sister and myself. From the cleaners who asked how she was doing. The ward clark chris who gave daisy a big cuddle, the play coordinator rachel who made sure my girls had lots to do. The nurses hannah, lucy to name a few. But the whole team are brilliant.

Daisy cf nurse lauren was fantastic and checked how we were doing regularly and even took me off the ward when i had my little breakdown.

Hollie and beth her physios were so helpful and reassuring. They are consistently amazing. They let me sneak off for a sandwich while they did her treatments.

The play centre team were a godsend! As life on the ward can get abit boring for a 1 and 4 year old. They also loved watching the chicks hatch.

The whole experience has been extremely positive and would recommend the hospital to anyone! Glad to be home now thou. Please pass on my comments � thank you xxx

My Daughter has been receiving Physio treatment from Luke in Parson House for the last couple of years after suffering from a fractured Ankle which was misdiagnosed from Good Hope.



Luke has been very supportive towards my Daughter care before and after the operation with constant check up for her rehabilitation over the year.



All the Staff in the Fracture Clinic were really helpful towards my Daughter, re-dressing the cast after it split a couple of days after the operation due to slipping a few times, as she had no support of crutches, she was only given an Open shoe on the ward from Physio, even though she was in a wheel chair and she could not put much weight bearing on her foot, but on her notes said weight bearing with support.



The Fracture Clinic were so supportive resupporting the cast and changing the cast especially helping her to have Crutches for support, as she wasn’t given the proper support after she left the Ward, which was the downfall from there after we left the ward, but that all changed after the Fracture Clinic and other Staff from physio intervene to support my Daughter mobility.



Overall all the Staff in the Fracture Clinic, Physio Clinic (her Physio Luke), Karen, and another lady that help out with my Daughter by getting the Crutches and Reception Staff in both departments especially Rebecca all deserve a Medal for the work they showed and support they provide to the Children and their Families.

Massive thankyou to mr gee & his team for working with my grandson william today, he has been with him since the very start of life & never fails to make his make on us all with his wonderful bed side manner & attention to detail, many many thanks to you all and thats a lot of people after 40 successfull surgiers at THE BCH , granny and grandad banit �

Just wanted to say what wonderful staff you have on pau. The clinical support worker, latarah, was amazing on our first night, she really excels in her job and is definitely made to be a nurse! All of the staff from the on site practitioners to the doctors, nurses, suport staff and cleaners have been truly amazing and made what has been an unbearable time away from my daughter and worrying about my son - that little bit easier. Today is Christmas day & the nurse looking after my boy today, Charlotte, has just finished a long day and has stayed cheerful all day. Popping her head in all day to see if she could do anything for me. The volunteers & fire service men and women who came round with presents for children and their siblings were also amazing giving up part of their Christmas to do this. What a wonderful hospital I can honestly say I've never received a better service- hospital or otherwise.

Just wanted to say thank you to Ward 12 staff, you are amazing Jessica was in Monday 12th till 14th you all went above and beyond to help her on her recovery cannot praise you all up enough and a huge thank you to aimee you were amazing with Jessica couldn’t have asked for a better brilliant nurse xxx

I would like to say a huge thank you to all the staff at Birmingham Children’s Hospital burns unit.

My little boy was in there this week and every body we came into contact with at the hospital do an amazing job, never to busy for you. I can not thank you all enough, we still need to come back next week, however it is reassuring that we are coming to your hospital and the treatment we have received so far.

From the bottom of our hearts thank you all so very much for helping our baby Syd xxx

I really take my hat off to the staff in a&e. Even though under pressure with a busy night, they were absolutely fantastic with my little man after his accident yesterday. And the same goes for the SDC today. I'm not very good with blood and was a bit of a nervous wreck when I arrived but the staff were so supportive and kept me updated throughout the day.. From the bottom of my heart thank you all so much ��

I have had many trips to the A&E department with my sons and every time they have been amazing! We will always have a special soft spot for Dr Ben Stanhope who looked after us so well after my son was very poorly.Every time we have been admitted all staff have been brilliant and a credit to our NHS

Had an appointment there today for the 'forearm/hand' clinic. Whilst walking to the hospital my daughter tripped and fell badly grazing her elbow. I just want to say how fantastic the staff were. They put her in a treatment room to clean her up (I don't know the nurses name) and the consultant Mrs Jester came to see her there too. It's a bugger for parking but the staff go above and beyond!

Again a massive thank you to all the staff @ Birmingham children's A&E department, Burns ward satff and theatre staff for looking after my eldest son for taking care of him on 21/07/18. You guys may not think what you did was a lot but me, my wife and family are grateful for everything you all do on a daily basis x.... Quick update my son is back to his usual self � �

A huge thank you to the A&E team and the paramedics who came to help my 6 month old daughter when she couldn’t stop being sick and went floppy yesterday. It was terrifying for me and her daddy and granny, but we were treated with compassion, care and respect. The team were informative, friendly and fantastic with my little girl and they made us feel safe. Within a few hours, my baby had been treated and was much better thanks to the speed and expertise of the wonderful doctors and nurses. We were lucky, and our daughter is already home and on the mend, but I just wanted to say thank you publicly to those who came to our aid. Thank you for doing such a vital job with such care, you will never know how much your patience, calm and expertise are appreciated xx

A huge thank you to all the staff at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, in particular all of those on Ward 9, who supported my daughter and I, with her pre and post op surgery care and for their support during a tricky time. Hats off to you all for you continuing hard work, dedication and kindness.

Also to the restaurant staff who became my daily companions at breakfast and dinner and for their early mornings smiles and friendliness.

We received excellent care from every professional we came into contact with. My daughter was always included in decisions about her care and the nurses and surgeons communicated everything clearly to us throughout. The staff within theatres also deserve a special mention, their skill in putting my daughter (and me!) at ease was exceptional. Thank you all so much

Visited the Children’s A&E department today via ambulance after my son fractured the two bones in his forearm. I have never been as proud and grateful of the NHS as I was today. As an ex-nurse and health visitor I am so very grateful to all the nurses doctors and radiologist that treated him today. They did so with efficiency and compassion. They kept me informed about everything and even made my eldest son and I tea and toast. We are so so lucky to have the NHS and long may it stay

Thanks to #BirminghamChildrensHospital another successful operation for my handsome chap. From the nurses to the anesthetics to the surgeon he was and is always looked after really well including the check ups at the eye department a very greatful mum and dad

Staff extremely friendly and helpful at reception, very efficient. Medical, nursing and associated staff exceptional. Like how they talk to the kids first and parent for additional info, it’s a great way to make them feel they have an important part in the process (which of course they do) and good preparation for when they’re older, ensures independence. Many thanks to all at BCH.

Seems like forever ago but what an amazing hospital if it weren’t for the amazing staff my Oliver wouldn’t be here ! I will be forever grateful to everybody who helped us especially as we were so far from home (South Wales)

Thank you !! Xx

Our son received excellent care at BCH. We took him to the A&E department 2 and a half weeks ago after being dismissed by another hospital 4 times for just having a bug. BCH A&E agreed with us that he wasn't right and scanned him straight away. Results were almost instantaneous but unfortunately we received the devastating news that our son had a brain tumour. We were told straight away what the plan was. The operation was 3 days later and now 2 and a half weeks on, he's recovering well at home. Ward 10 staff are wonderful. The surgeons are utterly amazing. I will not take my kids anywhere but BCH. Thank you Ward 10 xx

My daughter was admitted yesterday morning...and i wanted to say thank you for the care that she received. Our first stop was surgical day care where two ladies were taking care of her and they were amazing. The surgeon came round and chatted and made isla feel very comfortable. And the aneisnatist was just fantastic made my 6 year old laugh and took any worry i had away. After that ee was taken to ward one. And again it was class A care.. they got us what we needed they were helpful even though they was so busy. Kind ans friendly. Now these staff members had gotton to work in the most horrid weather conditions and im so greatful. Keep doing what you are doing as you should be veey proud of yourselves. I cant thank you enough for taking care of us while we was there x

My daughter regularly sees the cf team who are just fantastic. But she was admitted to waed 7 for just over two weeks. They are brilliant. They went above and beyond for ny daughter, her big sister and myself. From the cleaners who asked how she was doing. The ward clark chris who gave daisy a big cuddle, the play coordinator rachel who made sure my girls had lots to do. The nurses hannah, lucy to name a few. But the whole team are brilliant.

Daisy cf nurse lauren was fantastic and checked how we were doing regularly and even took me off the ward when i had my little breakdown.

Hollie and beth her physios were so helpful and reassuring. They are consistently amazing. They let me sneak off for a sandwich while they did her treatments.

The play centre team were a godsend! As life on the ward can get abit boring for a 1 and 4 year old. They also loved watching the chicks hatch.

The whole experience has been extremely positive and would recommend the hospital to anyone! Glad to be home now thou. Please pass on my comments � thank you xxx

My Daughter has been receiving Physio treatment from Luke in Parson House for the last couple of years after suffering from a fractured Ankle which was misdiagnosed from Good Hope.



Luke has been very supportive towards my Daughter care before and after the operation with constant check up for her rehabilitation over the year.



All the Staff in the Fracture Clinic were really helpful towards my Daughter, re-dressing the cast after it split a couple of days after the operation due to slipping a few times, as she had no support of crutches, she was only given an Open shoe on the ward from Physio, even though she was in a wheel chair and she could not put much weight bearing on her foot, but on her notes said weight bearing with support.



The Fracture Clinic were so supportive resupporting the cast and changing the cast especially helping her to have Crutches for support, as she wasn’t given the proper support after she left the Ward, which was the downfall from there after we left the ward, but that all changed after the Fracture Clinic and other Staff from physio intervene to support my Daughter mobility.



Overall all the Staff in the Fracture Clinic, Physio Clinic (her Physio Luke), Karen, and another lady that help out with my Daughter by getting the Crutches and Reception Staff in both departments especially Rebecca all deserve a Medal for the work they showed and support they provide to the Children and their Families.

Massive thankyou to mr gee & his team for working with my grandson william today, he has been with him since the very start of life & never fails to make his make on us all with his wonderful bed side manner & attention to detail, many many thanks to you all and thats a lot of people after 40 successfull surgiers at THE BCH , granny and grandad banit �

Just wanted to say what wonderful staff you have on pau. The clinical support worker, latarah, was amazing on our first night, she really excels in her job and is definitely made to be a nurse! All of the staff from the on site practitioners to the doctors, nurses, suport staff and cleaners have been truly amazing and made what has been an unbearable time away from my daughter and worrying about my son - that little bit easier. Today is Christmas day & the nurse looking after my boy today, Charlotte, has just finished a long day and has stayed cheerful all day. Popping her head in all day to see if she could do anything for me. The volunteers & fire service men and women who came round with presents for children and their siblings were also amazing giving up part of their Christmas to do this. What a wonderful hospital I can honestly say I've never received a better service- hospital or otherwise.

Just wanted to say thank you to Ward 12 staff, you are amazing Jessica was in Monday 12th till 14th you all went above and beyond to help her on her recovery cannot praise you all up enough and a huge thank you to aimee you were amazing with Jessica couldn’t have asked for a better brilliant nurse xxx

I would like to say a huge thank you to all the staff at Birmingham Children’s Hospital burns unit.

My little boy was in there this week and every body we came into contact with at the hospital do an amazing job, never to busy for you. I can not thank you all enough, we still need to come back next week, however it is reassuring that we are coming to your hospital and the treatment we have received so far.

From the bottom of our hearts thank you all so very much for helping our baby Syd xxx

I really take my hat off to the staff in a&e. Even though under pressure with a busy night, they were absolutely fantastic with my little man after his accident yesterday. And the same goes for the SDC today. I'm not very good with blood and was a bit of a nervous wreck when I arrived but the staff were so supportive and kept me updated throughout the day.. From the bottom of my heart thank you all so much ��

I have had many trips to the A&E department with my sons and every time they have been amazing! We will always have a special soft spot for Dr Ben Stanhope who looked after us so well after my son was very poorly.Every time we have been admitted all staff have been brilliant and a credit to our NHS

Had an appointment there today for the 'forearm/hand' clinic. Whilst walking to the hospital my daughter tripped and fell badly grazing her elbow. I just want to say how fantastic the staff were. They put her in a treatment room to clean her up (I don't know the nurses name) and the consultant Mrs Jester came to see her there too. It's a bugger for parking but the staff go above and beyond!

Again a massive thank you to all the staff @ Birmingham children's A&E department, Burns ward satff and theatre staff for looking after my eldest son for taking care of him on 21/07/18. You guys may not think what you did was a lot but me, my wife and family are grateful for everything you all do on a daily basis x.... Quick update my son is back to his usual self � �

A huge thank you to the A&E team and the paramedics who came to help my 6 month old daughter when she couldn’t stop being sick and went floppy yesterday. It was terrifying for me and her daddy and granny, but we were treated with compassion, care and respect. The team were informative, friendly and fantastic with my little girl and they made us feel safe. Within a few hours, my baby had been treated and was much better thanks to the speed and expertise of the wonderful doctors and nurses. We were lucky, and our daughter is already home and on the mend, but I just wanted to say thank you publicly to those who came to our aid. Thank you for doing such a vital job with such care, you will never know how much your patience, calm and expertise are appreciated xx

A huge thank you to all the staff at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, in particular all of those on Ward 9, who supported my daughter and I, with her pre and post op surgery care and for their support during a tricky time. Hats off to you all for you continuing hard work, dedication and kindness.

Also to the restaurant staff who became my daily companions at breakfast and dinner and for their early mornings smiles and friendliness.