Southampton Children’s Hospital

22/07/2026

We are delighted to be recognised as a Centre of Excellence for outstanding supportive cancer care, making us one of only four hospitals in the UK to hold this prestigious status 🌟

Our haematology and oncology unit, Piam Brown, recently received the accolade for a second time from the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer - MASCC, an international organisation dedicated to advancing supportive cancer care through clinical practice, education and research.

The MASCC recognises organisations leading the way in delivering patient-centred supportive cancer care alongside clinical treatment.

Dr Georgina Bird-Lieberman, clinical lead for child health at Southampton Children’s Hospital, said: “This recognition highlights the exceptional commitment of our teams to delivering integrated, patient-centred care. Treating cancer is not just about clinical excellence – it’s about supporting children and their families throughout every stage of their journey.”

🔗 Read more: https://www.uhs.nhs.uk/whats-new/press-releases/global-recognition-for-cancer-unit-at-southampton-childrens-hospital-1

20/07/2026

Huge congratulations to the team behind Harvey's Lab Tours at UHS, who have been named Harvey’s Lab Tour of the Year 2026 at the Institute of Biomedical Science Awards 🏆

These inspiring tours help young patients feel more comfortable and confident by introducing them to the biomedical science professionals who process and analyse their samples, playing a vital role in diagnosing and managing their illnesses.

The initiative is a collaboration between UHS’s blood transfusion, haematology and biochemistry teams, who welcomed 15 patients across 12 tours last year. Judges praised the team for going the extra mile, tailoring each visit to create a unique and memorable experience for every young scientist. 🔬🧪

Chloe Aman, senior biomedical scientist at UHS, said: “We were honoured to receive the Harvey’s Lab Tour of the Year 2026 award as recognition of the hard work we put into making each tour a unique experience, tailored to the young scientist joining us for the day.

“All the volunteers who make these tours possible look forward to tour days, it’s the best part of the job. We have a growing team and lots of creative ideas for activities, so we are excited for the future of Harvey’s Lab Tours at UHS.”

Interested in a tour? Parents or guardians can speak to their child’s clinical team about arranging a visit.

16/07/2026

👶 Meet the researcher working to give children with hip dysplasia a better start in life.

Professor Alex Aarvold from Southampton Children’s Hospital and the University of Southampton wants to improve understanding and treatment of hip dysplasia.

His research is improving care for babies and children with it, preventing lifelong pain and disability.

Watch him explain his research in just 30 seconds ⏱️

15/07/2026

Our young patients, their families and our amazing play team are excited and ready for tonight’s semi-final ⚽️

Today has been full of football fun, with table football and creative crafts ahead of the big match 🎨

All the best England, we’ll be watching, cheering and believing 🦁🦁🦁

14/07/2026

Today we officially launched Radio Lollipop’s amazing new LolliTrollie 🤩

This state-of-the-art £12,000 mobile entertainment and sensory unit is packed with bubbles 🫧, disco lights 🪩, fibre optics 🌈, music 🎵, karaoke 🎤, games 🎮 and sensory activities, helping volunteers connect with children of all ages during their hospital stay.

The LolliTrollie is expected to benefit around 2,500 children every year.

Lucia Lazzeri-Gray, lead matron at Southampton Children's Hospital, said: "We are hugely grateful to the Radio Lollipop Southampton team for the outstanding support they provide to children and families across our hospital. They play an invaluable role in boosting wellbeing, bringing smiles, fun and comfort to young patients during what can be a challenging time.

“The fabulous new LolliTrollie is a fantastic addition to their resources, packed with sensory and interactive activities that will help volunteers engage with children of all ages and abilities. It will further enhance the support available, creating positive distractions and meaningful connections throughout a child's hospital stay."

Special thanks to everyone who donated to Radio Lollipop’s fundraising campaign to make this possible, and to patients Bella and Eden for unveiling the LolliTrollie to lots of excitement today🎀👏

10/07/2026

Recently 32 patients from our Piam Brown ward and their families enjoyed a fantastic fire engine adventure through the New Forest, followed by a memorable day at Paultons Park 🚒 🎢

Vouchers were provided for each family to spend in Paulton's Park, as well as photo passes to look back on special memories from the day.

A huge thank you to Jon Bickers for making this magical day possible, plus Mick's Burger Van for providing delicious cakes and donuts for everyone 🍰 🍩

07/07/2026

Five-year-old Isla is a star today on BBC South Today 📺🤩

She and mum, Jennifer, are taking part in a major new clinical trial aiming to improve care for children and young people with severe acute asthma.

The EVITA trial, supported by £2.3 million of National Institute of Health and Care Research funding, is comparing three established medicines used in hospitals across the UK.

The findings could help standardise treatment, reduce hospital stays and ensure children receive the most effective care possible 🫁💙

The trial is co-led by University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, University of Southampton and Leicester's Hospitals

Watch BBC One in the South at 6.30pm to learn more.

🔗https://www.uhs.nhs.uk/whats-new/news/major-trial-to-discover-the-most-effective-treatment-for-severe-asthma-attacks-in-children

Health Research Southampton

07/07/2026

Babies and children under five are more vulnerable to hot weather and are at greater risk of dehydration and heat-related illness.

These tips from Dr Hirmiz can help keep your little ones safe, cool and well during periods of hot weather 👇

06/07/2026

We're delighted to see the launch of the new Child Health Research Network in Southampton, bringing together leading experts to advance research that improves the health and wellbeing of children and young people across our region.

Find out more 👇

Every child deserves the best possible start in life 🌟

That's why a new Child Health Research Network has been launched in Southampton, bringing together experts from across the region to develop research that improves children's health and wellbeing.

It has now been launched by Southampton Children’s Hospital, part of University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, and the University of Southampton.

Mark Johnson, Professor of Child Health and Consultant Neonatologist, said:
“Southampton has exceptional breadth in child health research. This network gives us a platform to connect that expertise, build new collaborations, and develop research that can make a real difference to the health and development of children and young people.”

Read more: https://research.uhs.nhs.uk/news/southampton-launches-research-network-to-boost-childrens-health

03/07/2026

Earlier this week we proudly celebrated the very first National Children’s Nurses Day.

It was special opportunity to recognise and thank the incredible children’s nurses who make such a difference to the lives of babies, children, young people and their families💙

From providing expert clinical care to offering comfort, reassurance and support during some of the most challenging moments, our nurses play a vital role in helping patients and families feel safe, cared for and understood.

Lucia Lazzeri-Ford, child health matron, said: "Thank you to all of the wonderful nurses at Southampton Children's Hospital. Every day you make a real difference to the lives of our patients and their families through the care, support and reassurance you provide.

"Your hard work, dedication and passion are at the heart of everything we do, and we are incredibly grateful for all that you do."

To mark the occasion, teams took part in a delicious bake off, with G4 being crowned the worthy winners 🎂