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In Touch Philanthropy Newsletter

Welcome to the latest issue of In Touch

2025 is shaping up to be a big one at Alder Hey, with the construction of our new Surgical Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Same Day Emergency Care Centre planned for the end of the year. You can read more about the incredible progress so far on page 4.

We are also very excited to launch our latest fundraising appeal for a new state-of-the-art CT Scanner.

As a Major Trauma Centre it’s essential that we have 24/7 access to CT scans. This appeal will ensure Alder Hey has two CT Scanners which provides resilience in the case of any incident requiring a period of downtime. Alder Hey will be the first dedicated paediatric hospital in the world to have this type of scanner which will radically reduce scan and waiting times and provide an enhanced experience for our patients and their families. You can also read about the opening of our new hospital cinema, our innovative Parent Champions programme to improve young children’s respiratory health and the Alder Hey Put Children First campaign which is advocating for a ‘child first’ NHS.

We wouldn’t be able to deliver any of these amazing projects without your support, and at a time when fundraising is more challenging than ever, we are eternally grateful for your commitment and generosity. Thank you for continuing to share our vision for a healthier, happier and fairer future for every child and young person.

Tracey Wilson

Head of Philanthropy

P.S. Our next exclusive behind the scenes tour event is on Thursday 12 June. If you’d like to attend, either on this day or for a private tour on a date of your choice, please get in touch. We would love to welcome you to the hospital to experience the magic of Alder Hey for yourself.

Join us for an exclusive tour of Alder Hey Hospital

The magic of Alder Hey really is best experienced in person and we would be delighted to welcome you for a behind-the-scenes visit. We still have two dates coming up in 2025:

Thursday 12th June 2.30 - 4.30pm

To confirm your place for the chance to meet our wonderful hospital colleagues, hear inspiring patient stories, and see first-hand what makes Alder Hey so special, please contact specialevents@alderhey.nhs.uk

If any of these dates do not suit you, please get in touch and we will be happy to arrange a private tour for you. We hope to see you at Alder Hey soon,

Helen Murray

Philanthropy Support Lead

Guests on our March tour took a seat in our brand new MediCinema!

Thursday 16th October 2.30 - 4.30pm

SAVE THE DATE... To book your place please contact: specialevents@alderhey.nhs.uk

Surgical Neonatal Unit and Same Day Emergency Care update

We are excited to share the latest progress on our Surgical Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Same Day Emergency Care Centre. These state-of-the-art facilities will transform neonatal and emergency care at Alder Hey, ensuring the highest standards of treatment and support for families. These projects will have a lasting impact on patients for generations to come. Since 1953, Alder Hey has led the way in neonatal healthcare, and with your support, we continue to provide worldclass care. Our new Same Day Emergency Care Centre will further improve emergency treatment, helping families return home safely and quickly.

Since our last issue of In Touch, both projects have made significant strides. The steel structures are complete, concrete floors are in place, and internal walls are being prepared. Senior Capital Project Manager John Glenn is pleased with the progress and confirms that construction remains on track.

Over the next six months, teams will complete internal partitions, defining key spaces like the 18 neonatal family rooms and emergency care waiting areas. This will be followed by the installation of mechanical and electrical systems, as well as external cladding and windows. As we approach completion by the end of 2025, our neonatal and emergency care staff eagerly anticipate moving into these cuttingedge facilities, where they can continue providing exceptional care to families during stressful and critical times.

Emily’s story: How our Same Day Emergency Care Centre will make a difference

Thirteen-year-old Emily was playing with her little sister in November 2024 when she accidentally trapped her right index finger in the double doors leading to the garden of her family home in West Lancashire.

Construction is progressing well

These new units are a testament to how together we can facilitate innovative projects that go beyond core NHS standards to create better outcomes for some of our most vulnerable patients. We’re delighted that we will soon be able to offer this elevated standard of care to patients and families at Alder Hey and we truly appreciate your ongoing support.

For more information about how you can support our Same Day Emergency Care Appeal, please get in touch:

charli.canfer@alderhey.nhs.uk

After an x-ray and initial treatment at Ormskirk Hospital, Emily was referred to Alder Hey’s Early Bird Clinic for further assessment. The next day, her finger required debridement, a procedure to remove damaged tissue and prevent infection.

A few days later, Emily returned to Alder Hey for surgery under local anaesthetic with a follow up appointment made for 10 days time. Emily’s injury was classified as Category 4, meaning it was less urgent than other children visiting the hospital so she was placed slightly further down the waiting list.

Reflecting on their experience, Emily’s mum, Stephanie, shared:

“ The care at Alder Hey was fantastic - the doctors, nurses, and staff were brilliant. But if we’d had access to the Same Day Emergency Care Centre, it would have been really beneficial.

We appreciate that Emily’s finger was a low-level incident, but if she could have been seen, assessed, treated and discharged on the same day, that would have just been amazing. If this new centre ensures that this service will expand and that more of these incidents can be seen to straight away, then it will massively benefit the families who rely on Alder Hey for their care every day.”

Emily’s injury could have been treated straight away in the new Same Day Emergency Care centre

Our new Same Day Emergency Care Centre, which will provide a permanent home for the Same Day Emergency Care Service, would have streamlined Emily’s care, allowing her to be assessed, treated, and discharged on the same day.

Emily’s story highlights why this new facility is so vital, as it will ensure faster, more efficient care and support for young patients and their families.

Delivering life-saving technology with a new state-of-the art CT Scanner

When a critically ill child comes to hospital, every second counts. In these vital moments, receiving a swift and precise diagnosis is key.

But so many of the most serious conditions we treat here at Alder Hey are invisible to the naked eye. In cases of complex heart, brain, and respiratory conditions, cancer, and traumatic injuries, a CT scanner is required to reveal the full extent of a child’s illness or injury, and to produce the most accurate diagnosis. These machines allow us to see inside the body in astonishing detail. CT Scanners are fundamental to our diagnostic capabilities here at Alder Hey, and that is why we are raising £952,000 to purchase one of the most advanced models currently available.

Alder Hey will be the first dedicated paediatric hospital in the world to have a Philips Spectral CT 7500 Pro Scanner. The new scanner uses cuttingedge “spectral” technology – a new and exciting development in CT scanning that can significantly enhance patient experience, safety, and diagnostic potential. Once again, Alder Hey will be leading the way in delivering the future of healthcare to children and their families, ensuring that we can continue to save as many young lives as possible. If you would like more information about our new CT Scanner Appeal, please contact:

Our new CT scanner will enable

Alder Hey to perform:

• Faster Scans: Reducing average scan times from 5 minutes to under 20 seconds.

• Better Scans: Cancer detection, for example, will be improved from 77% to 89%.

• Safer Scans: Radiation exposure will be reduced by approximately 40%, helping to avoid harmful side-effects.

• Kinder Scans: The new scanner reduces the need for sedation by 80% and is equipped with enchanting ambient lighting, soothing audio and visual themes to help to soothe anxious patients. tracey.wilson@alderhey.nhs.uk

Annie and Rowan’s Story

When Michelle and Thomas first brought their daughter, Rowan, to Alder Hey in March, they were searching for answers. Rowan had been unwell for months, struggling with a range of seemingly unconnected symptoms. As parents, Michelle and Thomas knew something wasn’t right.

Rowan was referred to Alder Hey for a CT scan and a number of other tests.

The results were devastating: Rowan was diagnosed with Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis (LCH), a rare cancer-like condition that required immediate chemotherapy. Distraught, Michelle, Thomas and their family braced themselves for the difficult road ahead.

It was decided that Annie, Rowan’s identical twin, should be tested as a precautionary measure. When Annie’s test results came back, the shock was overwhelming: she too had LCH.

For the past nine months, Annie and Rowan have undergone chemotherapy together. Their treatment involves regular CT scans, which is the only way that their condition can be monitored effectively. Annie showed new lesions during her first round of chemotherapy - discovered only because of the detailed imaging provided by CT scans.

But these frequent scans can be challenging for two young children. At just two and a half years old, neither Annie nor Rowan can stay still for more than a few seconds, let alone the duration of a traditional CT scan.

Annie and Rowan have regular CT scans to monitor their condition

General anaesthetic is required to ensure that they remain still for the duration of the scan, which can be incredibly unsettling for them. This is where our new CT scanner will help. With its ability to reduce scan times from five minutes to under 20 seconds, it will eliminate the need for general anaesthetic in most cases. This means a less stressful, safer experience, with fewer risks and faster results. With the dedication of Alder Hey’s incredible team and the cutting-edge technology of the new CT scanner, Annie, Rowan and countless other children will have the best chance at a healthy, happy future.

Put Children First: Why we’re advocating for

a ‘child

first’ NHS

Children and young people are our future scientists, innovators, artists, medics, sportspeople and entrepreneurs – the bright sparks who will make our world a better place. But rising inequality across the country is limiting their life chances.

Child poverty in the UK is at a record high, leading to a decline in children’s health.

Alder Hey is seeing increasing numbers of diseases in children which should have been eradicated, including measles and tooth decay. Children are presenting with conditions usually only seen in adults such as lung disease and obesity, and the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated a rise in mental health related illnesses.

Despite this startling reality, the health service has not been designed with children and young people in mind. At Alder Hey,

we hear the stories of our patients and our community, and we see the everyday challenges which can be solved by putting children at the heart of the health service.

Why Put Children First?

Started and led by Alder Hey

Children’s Charity and inspired by the half a million children and young people that visit us every year, Put

Children First is creating a coalition of organisations working to end child health inequality in the UK. The campaign is calling on political leaders

Our charity CEO, Fiona Ashcroft, talked to us about the importance of Put Children First. It’s unusual for an NHS aligned charity to take a stance on policy issues.

Why was it important for Alder Hey

Children’s Charity to act?

for a renewed approach to children’s health, with three clear goals:

• A child first NHS

• A data-driven, digital NHS for children and young people

• A preventative and community-based NHS

We are asking political leaders to listen to children, young people and the experts who care for them. If we give them the right support and a fair chance, our children and young people can do anything they put their mind to.

Children haven't been a political priority for over a decade and we see the impact of that at Alder Hey. What’s making children ill is not just about health. It's wider than that. Poverty and inequality are at the root of many health needs in our communities, and we need policy change to fix the crisis. The charity has a role to raise the concerns of our clinicians and our children and young people.

The phrase “Ignite the Sparks” was used at the launch. What does this mean to you? It’s all about potential. Children who come to Alder Hey face incredible challenges, but they are given the help they need to grow. With support and opportunity their passions ‘ignite’, and we want this for all children. Ignite the Sparks means we want a brighter, happier and fairer future where all children and young people can reach their potential.

If you could change one thing for children today, what would it be?

That's really hard! I think there's lots of things, but fundamentally when we talk about Put Children First, that's what we want. Children are our future and every part of government should be thinking about the impact of policy on children. If we could have a children's focus on every task force, every decision... that would be amazing. It’s time to put children first, ignite the sparks, and unlock their full potential. We are incredibly proud of this campaign. If you would like to know more about Put Children First, please get in touch:

helen.murray@alderhey.nhs.uk

Children First

inspired by the 450,000 children and young people who visit Alder Hey each year

Parent Championshelping children to breathe

For children growing up in some of the most deprived parts of Liverpool, their risk of being admitted to hospital with bronchiolitis is significantly higher than the UK average. To reduce health inequalities surrounding bronchiolitis, Alder Hey has established a community outreach programme to empower families and improve early years respiratory health.

From their bases in Children’s Centres in areas experiencing high levels of deprivation and paediatric illness, and at pop-up events in libraries, nurseries and community centres, our Parent Champions engaged with over 14,400 families and expectant mothers in 2024. This far exceeded our target of 6,000 and has reduced bronchiolitis admissions to Alder Hey by 22%.

Parent Champions provide essential support on the importance of respiratory health

Saving Young Lives with Advanced Defibrillators – Charlie's Story

Eight mothers lie at the heart of this successful pioneering programme. Employed by Alder Hey as Respiratory Parent Champions, they are recognised in their local communities as trusted healthcare referrers, thanks to training from paediatricians and organisations including Citizen’s Advice, Shelter and breastfeeding charity BAMBIs.

Through their connections, Parent Champions provide essential advice and support on the importance of respiratory health and the dangers posed by bronchiolitis, equipping parents with the tools to prevent the virus and protect their children. Sharing this knowledge has empowered parents to make positive and informed lifestyle choices, from quitting smoking to ventilating their homes, which have a direct impact on their child’s health.

Our Parent Champions are determined to make a difference to lives of as many families as possible, “ If we can change and inform parents we can change our city – we can have healthier children living in better conditions. ” This innovative programme demonstrates the positive impact inspiring ambassadors can have on their local community in helping to reverse health inequalities.

For more information on how you can support our Respiratory Parent Champions programme, please contact:

jennifer.graham2@alderhey.nhs.uk

Every day at Alder Hey presents unique challenges and in critical moments, access to the right equipment can turn a tragedy into a second chance.

Charlie, a pre-teen with a preexisting heart condition, went into cardiac arrest when their internal defibrillator (ICD) failed. Charlie’s condition meant that medication, fluids, and standard resuscitation techniques wouldn’t be enough. The only thing that could save their life was an external defibrillator to deliver the electrical shocks their heart desperately needed.

When the resuscitation team arrived, CPR was in progress. The team acted fast, giving Charlie the first shock while continuing chest compressions and other treatments.

After the second shock, Charlie’s heart started beating again, but they were still unconscious and needed urgent surgery.

Doctors inserted a breathing tube and rushed to the operating room, where a team was ready to remove and replace the faulty ICD. The surgery went well and after two weeks in the ICU and further recovery in the cardiology ward, Charlie was finally stable enough to go home. Thanks to quick action, well-coordinated efforts, and the availability of an advanced defibrillator, Charlie was saved. To ensure that life-saving equipment is available within 3 minutes of a cardiac arrest, we are fundraising for 44 defibrillators, to be placed in every department across the Alder Hey campus.

Advanced defibrillators will be available within 3 minutes of a cardiac arrest at Alder Hey

“ Defibrillators are critical. They save lives, allow families precious moments with their children in cases where lives cannot be saved, and will provide vital feedback that will help us continually improve our practices. ”

Dr Sarah Barton, Head of Resuscitation Services, Alder Hey.

If you would like more information about how you can support our defibrillator appeal, please get in touch:

Charlie continues to live life to the fullest under the care of their dedicated medical team.

charli.canfer@alderhey.nhs.uk

Movie magic comes to Alder Hey

Excitement and celebration surrounded the official opening of Alder Hey’s MediCinema, as it hosted the European premiere of Moana 2. The red carpet treatment was rolled out for our young film fans, as Moana welcomed them to this exclusive event, which included a personalised video message from the film’s cast. Since that magical November day, over 300 patients and families have enjoyed over 50 screenings. With the hum of the hospital left behind, our cinema-goers are transported far and wide, from Peru with Paddington Bear to outer space with Sonic the Hedgehog.

For our long-term patients, the cinema has transformed their hospital stay. It provides a chance to experience a sense of normality, but most importantly, to have fun, whilst still receiving the care they need.

12-year-old Theo is one of our regular MediCinema visitors. An active fundraiser, he has raised over £10,000 for Alder Hey, including funds for the cinema, where he’s enjoyed over 15 films. For Theo, MediCinema takes his mind off his treatments. He can see the impact it’s having on others too.

Access to the cinema is transforming the hospital experience for families like Theo and his mum

Over 300 patients and families have visited the cinema

“ It makes children feel happy – it gives them joy and laughter, and time away from the ward with their family.

The staff and the volunteers are all amazing, especially cinema manager Laura. ” Cinema Manager, Laura Smith, is working across Alder Hey to provide tailored opportunities to support the different needs of our patients, including exclusive screenings for families receiving bereavement support from our Alder Centre. Our cinema will have a lasting impact, and we’re excited for more special screenings and events. If you would like more information about how you can support our cinema, please get in touch:

A winning partnership

Our partnership with The Jockey Club and Aintree Racecourse means so much to us at the charity, and their generosity and support has brought joy and incredible experiences to families.

Jockeys visiting a patient in his bed at Alder Hey

jennifer.graham2@alderhey.nhs.uk

Back in February, we announced that 8-year-old Joshua Duckworth would be our honorary 35th runner at Aintree in April. This honorary runner position has played a huge role in highlighting the brave battles of some extraordinary youngsters and showcasing the amazing work of Alder Hey.

Joshua’s story is one of courage and resilience. In November 2023, he was diagnosed with 4H Leukodystrophy, a rare white brain matter disease that affects his movement, communication, hearing, and vision. With only around 200 confirmed cases worldwide and just 4-5 in the UK, it’s an incredibly rare condition. Joshua is under the dedicated care of Alder Hey’s Neurology team, receiving regular monitoring and support to help alleviate his discomfort.

Throughout this journey, Joshua and his family have found joy in the build-up to the Grand National, with Joshua especially enjoying his meetings with racing personalities and Grand National-winning jockeys.

The excitement continued in April when many of those winning jockeys made their annual visit to Alder Hey, taking time out of their busy schedules on the eve of the Grand National to spend precious moments with our families. One of the highlights was when children, families, and staff had the chance to meet and take photos with Neptune Collonges, the beautiful horse that won the 2012 Grand National. Seeing the smiles on everyone’s faces is always truly heartwarming.

We are so grateful to The Jockey Club for their unwavering support. Their kindness and dedication continue to make a profound impact.

To find out more about the ways you can get involved and help, please get in touch:

amanda.jones@alderhey.nhs.uk

Alder Hey patients feeding Grand National winning horse, Neptune Collonges

Spotlight

on Research, Innovation and Alder Hey Futures

Meet Sarah Leo, Head of Operations for Research, Innovation and Alder Hey Futures. We caught up with Sarah to find out more about her vital role and our vision for the future of paediatric healthcare.

What is your role and how long have you been at Alder Hey?

I joined Alder Hey in September 2023 as Head of Operations for Research having spent the previous 16 years of my NHS career in research and innovation leadership roles in NHS Trusts in Manchester. The concept of Alder Hey Futures, bringing together Research, Innovation, Education and Digital, was already in the making when I joined Alder Hey and this year my role has been permanently expanded include Innovation, and our Alder Hey Futures strategy.

Can you tell us more about Alder Hey Futures?

Yes! Alder Hey Futures underpins our overall Trust strategic plan with technological advancement that will help us to deliver care and services in a different way in the future. This

will mean moving away from a focus on “bricks and mortar” to delivering services more efficiently and in a way our next generation will want and expect.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

The best thing about my job is working with such brilliant teams across the Trust both within Alder Hey Futures and beyond in both clinical and corporate services. Leading the research and innovation functions means I often have the privilege of knowing about potential new treatment interventions and technologies before they become mainstream and it’s always so encouraging to hear the feedback we get from families who are involved in trialling new treatment options or testing innovations.

What is the most exciting thing you are seeing in paediatric healthcare research right now?

The strategic shift from analogue to digital in the NHS brings a raft of opportunities across research and innovation, particularly when it comes to the potential AI can offer both in terms of developments in clinical care and workforce efficiencies. In research specifically, it’s exciting to be able to get involved in pioneering new treatments such as gene therapy for conditions such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

What is the vision for research and innovation at Alder Hey?

We aim to support the delivery of pioneering breakthroughs to improve child health and wellbeing; strengthening Alder Hey’s position as a global beacon of excellence in digital, research, innovation, and education and bringing the future closer to today.

Our mission is to solve the realworld healthcare problems children and young people face today, creating fair access to care and enabling a healthier future for all.

For more information about how you can support our Research and Innovation programmes please get in touch:

Members of Alder Hey Research and Innovation at work in the Innovation Hub

tracey.wilson@alderhey.nhs.uk

Thank You

On behalf of everyone at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, thank you for helping us to create bright futures for babies, children and young people.

Alder Hey Children’s Charity, Eaton Road, Liverpool, L12 2AP www.alderheycharity.org

TRACEY WILSON

Head of Philanthropy

tracey.wilson@alderhey.nhs.uk 07903 705331

AMANDA JONES

Philanthropy Manager amanda.jones@alderhey.nhs.uk 07887 987311

JENNIFER GRAHAM Philanthropy Fundraiser

jennifer.graham2@alderhey.nhs.uk 07960 016737

CHARLI CANFER Philanthropy Officer charli.canfer@alderhey.nhs.uk

HELEN MURRAY

Philanthropy Support Lead helen.murray@alderhey.nhs.uk 07925 860267

KENNETH LEUNG

Philanthropy Assistant kenneth.leung@alderhey.nhs.uk