LUHFT Life - Royal special

Royal special edition

The Prince and Princess of Wales officially open the Royal

A Royal welcome

Staff and patients at The Royal Liverpool University Hospital gave Their Royal Highnesses, The Prince and Princess of Wales, a warm welcome to Liverpool when the couple arrived in the city to officially open the new hospital.

During their visit, The Prince and Princess had the opportunity to chat with staff in the Critical Care Unit, before heading on to meet support staff, including our healthcare assistants, overseas nurses, volunteers, mental health first aiders and colleagues from security, catering, domestics, and our porter service.

The Prince and Princess of Wales were met by Lord-Lieutenant of Liverpool, Mr Mark Blundell as they arrived at The Royal Liverpool University Hospital. Their Royal Highnesses were then welcomed with introductions at the entrance with our Chair, Sue Musson, Chief Executive, James Sumner, The Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Roy Gladden, and The Lady Mayoress, Roz Gladden.

The first stop on the visit was Critical Care, where Their Royal Highnesses met colleagues and received a briefing on the benefits of the unit to understand more about the transition from the old hospital to the new, and the benefits of the new space on effective working and improved patient care. They also met critical care colleagues, who took part in a Zoom call with the Prince of Wales during the COVID-19 pandemic.

First stop - the Critical Care Unit

The Prince and Princess of Wales were presented to three groups of staff to chat about their roles in the Trust and find out more about their departments. They met healthcare assistants, overseas nurses, colleagues in catering, domestic services and our porter service.

Meeting our support staff

Meeting patients and the public

Before leaving, The Prince and Princess of Wales met patients and members of the public who had gathered, and were presented with a posey of flowers, which included sea holly, Merseyside’s County flower, by volunteer Marjorie Jenkins. Marjorie, from Anfield, played a pivotal role in helping support with the transition to the new hospital, and currently volunteers in A&E.

Press coverage of the Royal visit

The visit attracted an international media presence on the day. From TV to radio and print media, there was widespread coverage of the event putting LUHFT in the spotlight.

What our staff said

It was a real privilege to meet Their Royal Highnesses. They were very genuine and interested and asked lots of questions. It was warming to feel as though they really did care about the work our staff do and the impact of COVID-19 specifically on our staff. They talked a lot about staff wellbeing and the support offered to them, that was a real focus for them.

Julie Patrick-Heselton, Matron of Critical Care Services

The visit was so special. I met The Prince of Wales over a video call nearly three years ago, so to get the chance to meet him in person has been amazing. They were so genuinely interested in talking to us about staff wellbeing and mental health. Everyone was over the moon to meet them.

Sarah Lawson, Critical Care Nurse

I was really honoured to have the once-ina-lifetime opportunity and it was a privilege to meet them. It was nice to see that people recognise the work we do, and I feel very grateful. It feels like a dream come true.

Freida Sebastian, Deputy Ward Manager

When Their Royal Highnesses enter the room you can feel their warmth, it was great to meet them. We felt really nervous at first, but they were really engaging with us, asking many questions and chatting to us. It was such a good opportunity for us to showcase the wonderful people we have in the Trust. It was a lasting experience for us.

Roehl Gaerlan, Practice Development Nurse

It was really lovely to meet The Prince and Princess of Wales. They were so down to earth, really engaging and wanted to listen to what everyone had to say. They were really interested to find out about the roles that the volunteers play in the hospital, and it was clear to see that they could see the value volunteering brings to different organisations.

Emily Naylor, Voluntary Services Manager

It was so exciting to meet the Royal couple. They asked me about where I trained and how long I’ve been a nurse and thanked me for what I do. It really boosted my morale.

Linda Musiniwa, Staff Nurse

January 2023

The Royal Liverpool University Hospital opened by TRH The Prince and Princess of Wales