This week, Liverpool’s Alder Hey Hospital was awarded The Freedom of the City.
On Monday (May 18), representatives of the children’s hospital gathered at the Town Hall to celebrate and honour the care provided to millions of children since its opening more than 100 years ago.
Lord Mayor Erica Kemp spoke of the wide-reaching care provided by the hospital to families throughout the North West as well as Liverpool. She said:
“I don’t think there can be a family in Liverpool who has not in some way, directly or indirectly, been touched by the work Alder Hey does, so if anyone deserves it, it must be Alder Hey.”
The presentation also had a personal connection to the Lord Mayor, whose grandson underwent an operation at the hospital shortly after birth.
She added:
“And on a personal level, for me my grandson was seriously ill when he was born and after a few days had to have an operation, so for me Alder Hey saved his life.”
Louise Shepherd, Chief Executive Officer of Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust accepted the Freedom of the City on behalf of the hospital.
She said:
“Obviously, it’s an absolute honour. I am accepting it on behalf of every member of staff, but not for everyone who works there today, but for every body who has worked there over the years.”
In September 2013, the decision to grant the hospital Freedom of the City in respect of the excellent treatment and care of children and young people.
Those who attended the service were shown historical footage and photographs of the hospital’s work with children across the last 100 years.
Some of Alder Hey’s top surgeons and specialists like Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon Mr John Dorgan and Craniofacial Nurse Specialist Mrs Joan Grogan were also at the ceremony.
Eleanor Brogan, 15, who inspired the design of the new Alder Hey hospital – Alder Hey Park – with a drawing of a flower, was also there to witness the historic event.