150 years of Sheffield Children’s: a thank you

An open letter to past and present families, colleagues, governors, and supporters of Sheffield Children’s

Today, Sheffield Children’s turns 150 years old. 

On 15 November 1876 a piece was written in the local paper inviting families to come to a house on Brook Hill to receive care for their children. Funded by the community, they had no idea how many people would come, and for the rest of that year they saw 45 patients (almost one new case each day!). 150 years on, we have now cared for and treated millions of patients. 

Today is an extraordinary milestone. It belongs to everyone who has been part of Sheffield Children’s over the last century and a half. That includes the children and young people we have cared for, their families, our colleagues past and present, volunteers, supporters, partners and the communities we serve. 

This anniversary has made me reflect on all those people, the different connections they have with Sheffield Children’s, and the responsibility we have to look after something that means so much to so many. 

Healthcare has changed beyond recognition over the last 150 years. Treatments have advanced, technology has transformed how we care for children and our understanding of children’s health has developed enormously. But one thing has remained constant: children and young people are at the heart of Sheffield Children’s. Creating healthier futures with and for them is why we are here. 

Many of you will have your own connection to Sheffield Children’s. You may work here today or have worked or volunteered with us in the past. Some of you will have received care as a child and returned years later with children of your own. Others will have friends or family who have received care or worked with us. Your connection may be through raising money for Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity, supporting us in your community, or simply being there for someone you love while they received care from us. 

All of those connections have helped make Sheffield Children’s what it is today. Families and our wider community have trusted us, challenged us, supported us and helped us learn and improve. The dedication of colleagues, volunteers, supporters and partners has helped shape us too. 

To the families who come to us for care, we know you are trusting us with the person who matters most to you. We never take that trust for granted. 

Sheffield Children’s now cares for children and young people from Sheffield, Yorkshire and across England. The care we provide has grown and changed enormously over 150 years, but our purpose remains the same: to give children and young people the best possible chance to live healthy, happy lives. 

This year we are also celebrating 50 years of Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity. For half a century, the Charity has helped provide facilities, research, equipment and experiences for children and families that NHS funding alone could not provide. This has been made possible by your support and the generosity of donors, fundraisers and volunteers. That support has made a real difference to countless children, young people and families, and continues to do so today. Thank you to everyone who has given their time, money and enthusiasm, and taken on challenges of all kinds, to support children and families. 

I started my working life as an NHS apprentice. The NHS has been part of my life ever since, and I am immensely proud to be part of it. That experience has taught me that places like Sheffield Children’s are ultimately about people: the people we care for and the people who dedicate themselves to providing and supporting that care. It is an incredible privilege to be part of Sheffield Children’s today. 

As we celebrate 150 years, we are rightly proud of our history. But this anniversary is also about what comes next. The Sheffield Children’s of today exists because generations of people cared enough to build it, support it and help it grow. We have a responsibility to do the same for the children and families who will need us in the years ahead. 

So, on our 150th birthday, I want to say thank you to everyone who has been part of Sheffield Children’s. 

To the babies, children, young people and families who have trusted us with their care. To our colleagues, past and present. To our volunteers, supporters, fundraisers, partners and communities. Thank you for the part you have all played in making Sheffield Children’s what it is today. 

We simply would not be Sheffield Children’s without you. 

We cannot know exactly what Sheffield Children’s will look like in another 150 years. What I do know is that whatever the future brings, we must always start with the children, young people and families we are here for. We must keep listening, keep learning and never lose sight of why Sheffield Children’s exists. 

If we do that, I know we can build on everything that has come before us and make sure Sheffield Children’s is here for generations to come. 

Happy 150th birthday, Sheffield Children’s and thank you! 

Ruth 

Ruth Brown 
Chief Executive 
Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust