There are many medical institutions in London that do everything possible to help sick children. For example, Great Ormond Street Hospital is known for performing complex heart operations. Other hospitals can impress with their history. However, there are those whose creation took place due to tragic situations. Evelina London Children’s Hospital is such a case. It is one of the main respiratory care centres in Great Britain. What is the history of Evelina London Children’s Hospital and what features of its modern functioning can be singled out? Learn more at ilondon.
The place saving children’s lives
The foundation of Evelina London Children’s Hospital is indeed connected with a tragic story. It began with Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild moving to London and marrying his cousin Evelina. On December 4, 1866, she gave birth to a son, but the child was already dead. It was a premature birth, accompanied by significant complications. Medicine at that time wasn’t too developed. Childbirth deaths were very common. A few hours later, Evelina died too. In 1869, Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild founded a children’s hospital in honour of his wife and baby. Apparently, this tragic situation has become one of those when a few lost lives can save thousands of others. After all, the establishment of the hospital contributed to the considerable development of children’s medicine in London.
Evelina London Children’s Hospital had a long history of development, full of difficulties and modernisations. A few years after the Second World War, the hospital became part of the National Health Service. However, in 1976, the initial building was closed. Thus, Evelina London Children’s Hospital no longer existed as a separate hospital. Most of the branches were moved to the Guy’s Tower. For a long time, there were no plans to open the restored Evelina London Children’s Hospital, but it was decided to restore the medical institution in 1999. Then a competition for architectural projects was organised and construction began in 2002. The modernised hospital was opened in 2004. The cost of such a project was approximately £60 million. The Guy’s and St Thomas’ Charity provided most of the funds.
Current state
An important part of the hospital is the South Thames Retrieval Service. Its activity is aimed at transporting sick children around London. It operates on the basis of the children’s intensive care unit of Evelina London Children’s Hospital. Its main feature is an extremely fast response because the life of the child depends on its staff. In a short period of time, the operators provide consultation and, if necessary, find a transport group and a place in the intensive care unit.
Nowadays, Evelina London Children’s Hospital is one of the best hospitals in Great Britain. It provides services to children from the moment of their birth. The neonatal unit is known throughout the country and has one of the lowest mortality rates. More than 1,000 babies are treated here per year. In total, the medical facility has approximately 46 beds for new-borns. In addition to treating babies, Evelina London Children’s Hospital also pays great attention to paediatric cardiology and neurology. The hospital building has five operating rooms and 151 inpatient beds. The functioning of the renal dialysis department is also important. Here, specialists provide help to children with complex diseases. The hospital even has its own school. The conditions at Evelina London Children’s Hospital are aimed at ensuring that sick children do not feel separated from the world but on the contrary have the opportunity to enjoy the moments of life.