Her Royal Highness has been a Patron of the Hospital since 2013, and her recent visit marked her first in-person appearance at Leeds Children’s Hospital post the COVID-19 pandemic.
Leeds Children’s Hospital is at the forefront of utilizing Virtual Reality Distraction Therapy (VRDT) and is supported by funding from Leeds Hospitals Charity, employing the UK’s inaugural hospital-based Virtual Reality (VR) Play Specialist.
Through VR technology, the hospital staff aids patients during procedures like cannulations, dressing changes, and even minor surgeries.
During her visit, Her Royal Highness interacted with the hospital Play Specialists who showcased the innovative VRDT techniques they implement.
These methods have been highly successful in assisting children and their families with their treatment, often resulting in reduced hospital stays and a more positive hospital experience.
Over the past year, more than 350 sessions using VRDT have been conducted, and other children’s hospitals nationally and globally are following Leeds’ example.
Since the Duchess of Edinburgh's previous visit, the Government has affirmed that the Trust's proposal to construct a new cutting-edge hospital will be fully financed and can progress accordingly.
This initiative entails building a new facility for Leeds Children’s Hospital, a new adult hospital, and one of the largest maternity and neonatal centers in the nation at the Leeds General Infirmary by 2030, as part of the broader national New Hospital Programme.