Southampton Children’s Hospital

13/10/2026

Diagnostic radiographers play a vital role in children's care, providing imaging that helps diagnose conditions, plan treatment and support procedures. From a child's first X-ray to more complex scans, they are there at some of the most important moments in a young patient's journey.

Thank you Gerald and all our fantastic radiography teams for the difference you make every day 💙

In today’s spotlight on allied health professionals (AHPs), we meet Gerald, a diagnostic radiographer and lead superintendent for paediatric radiology.

Diagnostic radiographers play a vital role throughout a patient’s journey, from carrying out initial X-rays in the Emergency Department to delivering complex imaging that helps diagnose conditions, plan treatments and guide procedures.

Radiographers work across a wide range of specialties, including general X-ray, CT, MRI, cardiac imaging, fluoroscopy, interventional radiology, theatres, trauma and emergency imaging, paediatrics, breast imaging and nuclear medicine.

For Gerald, being part of those key moments in patient care is what makes the role so rewarding.

“One of the most rewarding aspects of radiography is the opportunity to play such an important role in a patient’s journey. Whether supporting a child and their family through their first X-ray, providing imaging that helps diagnose a condition, or working alongside the wider clinical team during a complex procedure, radiographers are often involved at some of the most significant moments in a patient’s care.”

Fourteen years into his career, Gerald still finds opportunities to learn, develop and make a difference.

“I’m still learning and developing, and that’s part of what makes radiography such a fulfilling career. It has given me the opportunity to care for patients, develop my clinical expertise, lead teams, support colleagues and contribute to the continued development of the profession.”

Look out for more AHP spotlights throughout this month.

09/10/2026

This week is Play in Healthcare Week, celebrating the important role of play in helping young patients feel safe, supported and able to be children while in hospital.

A huge thank you to our incredible play team:

💚 Play Specialists (green t-shirts) use therapeutic play to help children understand, process and cope with their hospital journey.

💜 Play Leaders (purple t-shirts) bring fun, creativity and a sense of normality to every day on the ward.

This week they've been keeping children on our wards busy with a range of activities, including hosting a magic show, autumn crafts and a very special visit from therapy dogs 🐕🍂🎨

05/10/2026

Having an operation in hospital can feel daunting, especially for children.

Over the weekend our paediatric theatres team welcomed children and their families to a special open day designed to make surgery feel less scary and more familiar. Through a range of hands-on activities, young patients had the chance to explore every stage of their surgery journey, from practising anaesthetics on dollies and trying out surgical instruments and cameras, to learning what happens in recovery 🔬🩺

By giving children the opportunity to see, touch and ask questions in a fun and friendly environment, the team hopes the session will help reduce anxiety and build confidence ahead of planned procedures 💙

Dr Ruth Young, consultant anaesthetist, said: "For many children, it's the fear of the unknown that can make surgery feel overwhelming. Events like this allow them to explore the surgery environment, meet the people who will be caring for them and learn about what will happen during their visit in a positive and engaging way. Seeing children leave feeling more confident and reassured is incredibly rewarding."

01/10/2026

A special day at Southampton Children's Hospital 🎬

Young patients and their families were delighted to meet Hollywood actor Jamie Campbell Bower, best known for his roles in Stranger Things and Twilight, and soon to hit our screens in The Lord of The Rings: The Rings of Power.

Jamie spent time on E1 Ocean Ward, Piam Brown Ward and our Teenage Cancer Unit, chatting with patients, signing posters and posing for photos 📸✨

His kindness and generosity brought plenty of smiles and created some unforgettable moments for the children and families we care for.

A huge thank you to Jamie for taking the time to brighten so many days 💙

18/09/2026

Well done to Katy Lamden, children's nurse on our E1 ocean ward and experience of care hero award winner for June 👏

Congratulations to Katy Lambden, children's nurse on E1 ocean ward, who was our experience of care hero award winner for June 👏

Katy was nominated by a parent whose child was admitted to hospital. Throughout their stay, she ensured the family was fully involved in discussions and decision-making, helping them feel informed and supported every step of the way.

“She ensured our daughter was continually reviewed as she deteriorated, but her calm cool manner meant I was never alarmed. She really did not leave our side that day… She was phenomenal and we will forever be grateful for the way she cared for us.”

A well-deserved award for Katy, whose compassionate care and support made all the difference to this family 💙

🔗 Send us your nomination for this month’s award by 30 September: https://forms.office.com/e/Z0misQjAVS

11/09/2026

The team on our Piam Brown ward would like to say a heartfelt thank you to Geoff Baker for his recent generous donation, which has been used to stock their much-loved ‘Piggy Prize Box’ with lots of small toys and prizes 🙏

These special rewards are given to children and young people following procedures, helping to bring a smile and recognise their bravery during their hospital stay 🌟

09/09/2026

A huge thank you to the Leon Crouch Foundation for their incredible £65,000 donation to Southampton Hospitals Charity UK, funding a state-of-the-art paediatric ultrasound machine for our children's emergency department 🙏

The scanner is equipped with bespoke paediatric probes and designed specifically for children.

This gift is helps us care for some of the region's sickest children, giving clinicians fast, accurate imaging to secure vascular access, assess injuries following trauma, and support vital emergency care 💙

28/08/2026

We're incredibly proud that our consultant paediatric spine surgeon Evan Davies has been appointed Chair of the RFU Injured Players Foundation 🏉

Combining his passion for rugby with treating people with spinal injuries, Evan will help lead the charity in supporting players of all levels who have sustained life-changing injuries while playing rugby union in England.

Speaking about his new role, Evan said: “I bring the skills of a surgeon but also the concerns of a rugby player. Being able to combine my passion for rugby with my experience of helping people with spinal injuries throughout my working life in the NHS will hopefully prove beneficial to our Injured Players Foundation members.”

Congratulations Evan 👏

Find out more 👇

26/08/2026

Happy National Dogs Day 🐶

Today we're celebrating the friendly, calm dogs who visit Southampton Children’s Hospital and bring comfort, companionship and countless smiles to our young patients.

A wagging tail really can make a world of difference 🐕

Thank you to every therapy dog and their owners helping to brighten a child's day 💙



Pets As Therapy

19/08/2026

This week some of our young patients have enjoyed taking part in a range of sensory activities designed to encourage exploration, movement and lots of smiles 💙

From captivating sensory lights and bubbles, to navigating an obstacle course, there have been plenty of opportunities for fun and engagement ✨🫧🏃

There was a special visit from Gus at Pets As Therapy, who brought comfort, companionship and plenty of tail wags to everyone he met 🐾🐶