Alder Hey

Alder Hey Welcome to the Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust & Charity page.

Alder Hey in the Park cares for over 450,0000 young patients and their families each year. We lead research into children’s medicines, infection, inflammation and oncology.

14/11/2025

12 year old Jack, who has type 1 diabetes and is cared for at Alder Hey, recently got the chance to visit 's training ground. While there he interviewed Jake O'Brien, who also has type 1 diabetes, to find out more about how a professional athlete adapts to life with the condition. Watch to find out more!

Recently, a group of children and young people being cared for at Alder Hey for type 1 diabetes had a memorable day at E...
14/11/2025

Recently, a group of children and young people being cared for at Alder Hey for type 1 diabetes had a memorable day at Everton Football Club ’s Finch Farm training ground to mark this year’s ⚽

Several children and young people, who are part of our diabetes support programmes, enjoyed a tour of Finch Farm and got to meet defender Jake O’Brien, who spoke to them about his own experience of living with type 1 diabetes. Jake was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when he was 16 years old and has since played over 100 games of professional football, including 31 appearances for Everton 🔵

12-year old Jack, who is cared for at Alder Hey for type 1 diabetes, also had the opportunity to interview Jake about how he manages his diabetes before, during and after football matches.

The visit was a celebration to mark World Diabetes Day, aimed at giving encouragement to children living with diabetes, helping them see that their condition does not have to hold them back 🙌

Daniella continues to pursue her dreams despite arthritis diagnosis 🙌17 year old Daniella was diagnosed with Polyarticul...
13/11/2025

Daniella continues to pursue her dreams despite arthritis diagnosis 🙌

17 year old Daniella was diagnosed with Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) at Alder Hey 5 years ago. In her case, she experienced swollen fingers and joints, before her arthritis progressed to more debilitating symptoms such as difficulty eating and not being able to walk.

Thanks to the care of our Rheumatology team, Daniella has been able to pursue her dream of being able to compete at the top end of motorsports. She won the Total Karting Zero UK North Championship in 2022 and currently competes in the BRSCC Fiesta Junior Championship and will race in the 2026 British F4 Championship next year! 🏎️🏁

Daniella said: "The Rheumatology team have been very supportive in referring me to departments which may be able to offer extra support such as physiotherapy and occupational therapy. Dr Gavin Cleary has been the most amazing consultant and has really listened to me and how I feel within myself, paying great attention and working closely with my family to find the best course of medication for me."

We look forward to seeing what else you achieve in the future, Daniella! 😄

To mark we had a special ceremony here at Alder Hey today to remember and honour all of those whose lives have been lo...
11/11/2025

To mark we had a special ceremony here at Alder Hey today to remember and honour all of those whose lives have been lost in two world wars and all other conflicts since.

A huge thank you to everyone involved in making this happen and to those who attended and observed the minute silence so impeccably 🙏

| Rowan from Shropshire was given a life-expectancy of just 3 years when he was born, but has recently celebrated his ...
07/11/2025

| Rowan from Shropshire was given a life-expectancy of just 3 years when he was born, but has recently celebrated his 18th birthday in Disney World Florida thanks to a big team effort to get him there! 🎉

Born 10 weeks early in Cyprus to a military family, Rowan was diagnosed with brain damage at birth and faced a tough road ahead. He was initially diagnosed with cerebral palsy, vision and feeding issues, and later as his condition became more complex, dystonia, scoliosis, epilepsy, and more. His condition is called PMLD (Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities), meaning he needs full-time support for everyday life. After one particularly scary hospital stay, his dad Paul promised him: "If you get through this, we’ll take you to Disney World."

Thanks to the amazing teams at Alder Hey, including his Palliative Care Consultant Dr. Lynda Brook, that promise came true. Dr Brook said; 🗣️ “All the little things we may take for granted, needed extra care and consideration for Rowan and it took planning of epic proportions. The trip took months of planning to ensure it was safe for Rowan to fly- he needed oxygen tests, special medication, extra medical supplies—but everyone pulled together to do it the Alder Hey way and make it happen including the respiratory team-the lung function team and respiratory physios and the pharmacy teams who all truly went above and beyond.”

And in April, Rowan finally experienced the magic of Disney! His favourite part? Swimming in the heated pool and a Moana-themed sensory adventure trail at one of the Disney theme parks which he enjoyed on numerous days!

Mum Sharon said: “Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. What once felt impossible became a dream come true. Rowan had the most amazing time, and it’s given us the confidence to try more things we thought were out of reach. We made memories to last a lifetime.” 💙

Now the family is already thinking ahead to his 21st!

Today we had a lovely visit from Wayne Rooney who popped in to spend some time with 15 year old Morgan, a massive Manche...
05/11/2025

Today we had a lovely visit from Wayne Rooney who popped in to spend some time with 15 year old Morgan, a massive Manchester United fan who recently had multiple surgeries here at Alder Hey 🏥

Wayne met Morgan to find out more about his story and offer words of encouragement for the future. He also took some time to meet with Liverpool FC fan Jackson and his parents, before getting some pictures with our staff 📸💙

A huge thank you to Wayne for taking the time out to come and brighten everybody’s day 🙌

01/11/2025

With just around the corner, we asked Burns Consultant Mohammad and Burns Nurse Louise to provide some top tips to help keep you and your children safe. There's a even a really interesting fact in there about sparklers! 🪄

31/10/2025

Everyone here at Alder Hey is ready for 🎃 Decorations are up and costumes are on as we prepare for a spook-tacular night! 👻

We want to take the opportunity to wish all of our followers a very - don't eat too many chocolates or sweets! https://t.co/dLeHYSmTWb

30/10/2025

Did you know that your child can get vaccinated against with a nasal spray? Children aged 2 to 4 are especially at risk of picking up the flu, but we're helping to fight back. Kelly and Kate are 2 of our wonderful flu fairies at Alder Hey and they have a special message 🧚✨

29/10/2025

There are lots of misconceptions when it comes to the vaccine. Here, our Chief Nurse Nathan Askew addresses some of the most common myths that you've likely heard.

Getting vaccinated against the helps to protect you, your family, and others. Our staff are getting protected, just li...
29/10/2025

Getting vaccinated against the helps to protect you, your family, and others. Our staff are getting protected, just like Chief Nurse Nathan Askew, who got his jab recently. Have you got yours?

You can find out more about the flu vaccine online at: https://t.co/dBd0cKy2RF

Congratulations to oncology nurse Mary Lamb, who is retiring after an incredible 49 years at Alder Hey! From the moment ...
24/10/2025

Congratulations to oncology nurse Mary Lamb, who is retiring after an incredible 49 years at Alder Hey!

From the moment Mary was 6 years old, travelling past Alder Hey with her mum, she knew her future was here. Mary began her journey in September 1976 as a Cadet Nurse at Alder Hey, before starting her Special Education Nursing training in July 1977 and qualifying in 1979.

Her early years saw her caring for patients on M2 General Surgery and later the Burns Unit. In 1990, she joined ward C3 at the old Alder Hey hospital, then moved to ward 3B at the current hospital.

Mary’s devotion to children and young people, as well as her colleagues, shone through every aspect of her work, earning her the title of “Nurse of the Year” in 2005. This moment stood out to Mary not just for the recognition but for how proud it made her parents. Though her mum was living with dementia at the time, she never forgot that her daughter was the "Nurse of the Year.” 🏆

Throughout her 49 years at Alder Hey, Mary has experienced countless unforgettable experiences. From taking a group of children to meet Father Christmas in Lapland, to meeting countless famous faces, from Princess Kate Middleton to comedian Romesh Ranganathan and many footballers in between.

After nearly five decades of care, laughter and compassion, Mary will forever be part of our story. Her kindness, professionalism, and the countless lives she has touched will continue to inspire generations of nurses.

Mary said: “I've just loved every minute of it and consider myself blessed to be able to do what I've always wanted to do. I think they [the children she has cared for] will never understand how much I've got from it. You know, how much they've given to me. Yes, you help people, but what you get back from them, just seeing them, knowing that you've helped them a little bit, has enriched me beyond belief.” 🫶

Thank you for your amazing commitment and hard work over the last 49 years, Mary. You'll be missed!

Address

Liverpool
L122AP

Telephone

+441512284811

Website

http://www.alderheycharity.org/

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Our Story

Since the NHS was established, Alder Hey has seen many changes, but has remained at the forefront of children’s healthcare.

Alder Hey was originally a workhouse, providing care for the sick. A hospital was built and opened its doors in October 1914, with 350 children taking occupancy of twelve wards. Alder Hey was also used as a military hospital during the Great War and Second World War.

During our history, we have become known for a number of famous firsts. Penicillin was tested on a child for the first time at Alder Hey and we were the first to establish a neonatal surgical unit in the UK. Other firsts include curing the most commonly encountered congenital heart defect and pioneering various splints and orthopaedic appliances.

In 2015, we opened a state-of-the-art hospital alongside a brand new research, innovation and education centre. Alder Hey in the Park and the Institute in the Park now cares for over 330,000 children, young people and their families every year and brings together excellent care, technology and design to provide the best possible healing environment for children and their families.