Southampton Children’s Hospital

29/05/2026

Earlier this week our young patients were treated to a very special visit from Rays of Sunshine Children's Charity – bringing smiles, songs, and a sprinkle of magic 💖☀️

The morning was filled with:
🎨 Fun arts and crafts activities, where creativity shone brightly
🎁 Goody bags to enjoy a little piece of the magic
🎶 A chance to meet princesses, hear them sing and share unforgettable moments

A huge thank you to everyone involved for helping brighten the day for our patients and their families 💫

26/05/2026

Babies and young children are at higher risk of dehydration, so keep those fluids topped up 💧

22/05/2026

Check out the Healthier Together website for further advice on keeping your family safe and well during the heatwave:

🔗 https://www.healthiertogether.nhs.uk/child-under-12-years/staying-safe-over-the-summer

The UK Health Security Agency has issued an amber heat health alert for parts of England until 5pm on Wednesday 27 May.

Most of us like to get out and enjoy the sunshine, but ending up in our Emergency Department suffering from the effects of heat is the last place you’ll want to be.

Beat the heat:
🥤Keep hydrated with plenty of cold drinks throughout the day
🧴👒👕Wear sunscreen, a hat and light, breathable clothes outside
🏠🌳Stay indoors in a cool space, or in the shade if you’re outdoors, during the hottest part of the day (11am–3pm)

And don’t forget to check in with older and vulnerable people to make sure they are keeping cool and staying hydrated.

🔗Find out more on how to cope in hot weather: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/seasonal-health/heatwave-how-to-cope-in-hot-weather/

21/05/2026

Earlier this week our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) marked Human Milk Donation Day 💙

Donor milk plays a vital role in supporting many sick and premature babies in NICU. It provides essential nutrition for infants who, for various reasons, are unable to receive milk from their own parent, and can be a safe alternative to formula for those born very early.

This life-saving milk offers both nourishment and comfort, helping these vulnerable babies grow stronger during their hospital stay.

To celebrate the day NICU held a cake sale to raise funds for the incredible volunteers at SERV Wessex - The Blood Runners, who collect donated milk and transport it to hospitals across the region.

A huge thank you to our amazing milk donors, dedicated volunteers and everyone who contributed delicious bakes for the sale 👏

🔗Find out more about the Southampton milk bank: https://www.uhs.nhs.uk/for-visitors/southampton-childrens-hospital/childrens-services/neonatal-intensive-care-unit/milk-bank

15/05/2026

Well done to Ijeoma Ananti, staff nurse on our G3 ward and experience of care hero award winner for March 👏

Congratulations to Ijeoma Ananti, staff nurse on G3, who is our experience of care hero award winner for March 👏

IJ (pictured with Alison Ross, head of patient experience) was nominated by a parent of a child staying on G3, who described her as a wonderfully warm and reassuring presence:

“She made us both feel better during a scary time and we are both grateful to her for her kindness.

“Over our time in hospital, we met loads of health care professionals throughout our time; IJ was the person who stood out the most. I’m pleased to know great women like IJ are caring for children, because people like her make the world a better place. Thank you.”

Congratulations IJ 🎉

🔗 Send us your nomination for this month’s award by 31 May: https://forms.office.com/e/Z0misQjAVS

15/05/2026

The latest Charity Matters magazine is out!

This edition shines a light on how support from Southampton Hospitals Charity UK is making a real difference at Southampton Children's Hospital, from ward refurbishments to vital equipment, as well as sharing plans for future projects that will benefit patients and staff.

Take a read below 👇

☀️ The sun is out - and so is our magazine Charity Matters!

In this Spring issue, we're focusing on Southampton Children’s Hospital. Read about the difference your support is making - from ward refurbishments to equipment. We’re also sharing a look at exciting future projects set to make a real difference for patients and staff at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust.

A big thank you to our staff and patients for sharing their stories and helping to create this edition.

📖 Read the Spring 2026 edition → https://southamptonhospitalscharity.org/read-our-latest-edition-of-charity-matters/

12/05/2026

Wards across Southampton Children’s Hospital have been getting creative today to celebrate International Nurses Day 💙

Our incredible teams marked the occasion by decorating their ward entrances and dressing up as characters from their favourite books — bringing colour, fun and a touch of magic for patients and families 📚

From classic storybook favourites to modern tales, each display reflects the imagination and dedication our nurses bring to their roles.

A huge thank you to all our nurses for the care, kindness and creativity they show — not just today, but every single day 🙏

08/05/2026

Wishing a very happy retirement to paediatric orthotist Alan Rogers 🎉

After an incredible 62 years in the NHS — nearly 60 of them at Southampton General Hospital — Alan (pictured on the left with Paul Grundy, chief medical officer) leaves behind a truly remarkable legacy.

Starting his career in 1964 as an operating theatre technician, Alan moved into orthotics in 1967 and went on to specialise in paediatrics, which he describes as the most rewarding part of his journey 💙

He played a key role in pioneering co-located paediatric orthotics services at UHS, helping to improve collaboration and enhance patient experience. Over the decades Alan has seen huge advances in materials used and the design of orthotics, and has been at the heart of that progress.

Alan has been described by colleagues as inspirational, humble and deeply knowledgeable, with an unwavering focus on patient care.

👏 Thank you Alan for your extraordinary dedication — and best wishes for a well-deserved retirement.

01/05/2026

It’s Patient Experience Week and our experience of care team have been out on the wards, spending time with patients and their families.

Today they were joined by the talented Dannii Murphy, who sprinkled a little musical magic across the wards, delighting our young patients — including Miles and his family 🎶

Moments like these really do make a difference 💙
UHS Experience of Care

15/04/2026

Last week for National Pet Day our play team organised some very special visitors 🐾

Barney, Gus, Mabel and Rory from Pets As Therapy brought plenty of smiles, cuddles and tail wags to our young patients 🐶

Children had the chance to bandage the dogs, take their temperatures and even listen to their heartbeats 🩺

For those who preferred there were also soft toy animals to look after instead — because caring comes in many forms 💙

A truly pawsome day all round🐾