Since 2013, Her Royal Highness has served as a Patron of the Hospital.
Her recent visit to Leeds Children’s Hospital marked her first in-person visit since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Leeds Children’s Hospital has been at the forefront of utilizing Virtual Reality Distraction Therapy (VRDT).
Thanks to funding from Leeds Hospitals Charity, it is the first hospital in the UK to employ a Virtual Reality (VR) Play Specialist.
Through VR technology, the hospital staff assists patients during various procedures like cannulations, dressing changes, and minor surgeries.
During her visit, Her Royal Highness conversed with the hospital's Play Specialists, who showcased the innovative VRDT techniques they implement.
These methods have been highly effective in supporting children and their families through treatment, leading to shorter hospital stays and more positive experiences.
Over the past year, more than 350 appointments involving VRDT have been carried out, inspiring other children's hospitals nationwide and globally to follow the lead of Leeds.
Since Her Highness's previous visit, the Government has approved full funding for the Trust to proceed with its plan to construct a new state-of-the-art hospital.
The ambitious project aims to establish a new facility for Leeds Children’s Hospital, an adult hospital, and one of the largest maternity and neonatal centers in the UK at the Leeds General Infirmary by 2030.
This development is part of the national New Hospital Programme.