Nerve-Wracking Hospital Trips with Young Royals: Kate Shares Her Experience
Princess Kate sympathized with parents during the opening of a new children's surgical unit at Evelina London, recalling her own anxious experiences taking her children to the hospital.
The £55 million facility offers comprehensive one-stop services for child surgeries, aimed at easing patient anxiety with a calming space-themed decor.
Kate engaged with a family in the pre-op area, acknowledging the universal concerns of parents during such times, while praising the hospital's excellent team.
Evelina, part of Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, allows children to undergo pre-surgery assessments, the actual procedure, and recovery in one location. This unit expands Evelina's capacity, allowing for an additional 2,300 surgeries annually, on top of the existing 11,000.
During her visit, the Princess connected with some of Evelina's young patients, including nine-year-old Tony Hudgell, a survivor of severe child abuse who has raised over £1.8 million with his adoptive parents' support.
Moved by Kate's visit, Tony's adoptive mother expressed overwhelming gratitude for the Princess's warmth and compassion.
Commending her visit, Evelina London's CEO Gubby Ayida highlighted how Kate's presence greatly boosts staff morale, particularly during a period of challenging waits and backlogs in the NHS.
Kate, as the hospital's patron, continues to showcase her commitment to the well-being of children and healthcare professionals.