"I see every day the impressive benefits to patients realised through advancements in medical science. Science is saving lives and has great importance to all our future. It is fitting that our youngest generation took this fantastic opportunity to get up close to and enjoy the magic of science this Christmas."
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As part of the Ri’s continuing partnership with Barts Health NHS Trust, we are delighted to welcome young patients, their families and NHS staff from The Royal London Children’s Hospital, to experience the magic of the CHRISTMAS LECTURES as special guests at the filming of this year’s lectures with Prof Danielle George.
Gail Cardew, Director of Science and Education at the Royal Institution said, “The Ri’s mission is to encourage people to think more deeply about the wonders and applications of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The CHRISTMAS LECTURES are always an exciting way for us to bring those subjects alive for a young audience. We are committed to ensuring that the Lectures to reach as many children and young people in the UK and beyond as possible, and we are delighted that this year our audience for each of the three lectures will include young patients from The Royal London Children’s Hospital.”
Sally Shearer, Director of Nursing and Governance for Children at The Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel, run by Barts Health NHS Trust, explained why these activities are so important: “It is vital that a child’s education doesn’t come to a standstill simply because they are unwell. Many of our children face long periods of absence from education and they may not be well enough to enjoy and benefit from the school trips and other extra-curricular activities their peers take part in.
"We work closely with children, their parents and their school to ensure that, when they are well enough, children have similar opportunities to take part in educational and fun activities that inspire them and encourage them to think about the world around them and what role they can play in it.
“These trips will also be a wonderful opportunity for our patients, their families and the hard working staff who support them to spend some quality time together and to enjoy a well deserved treat. We are grateful to the Royal Institution for making it all possible!”
The Royal Institution has donated tickets to Barts Health NHS Trust for the filming of the 2014 lectures ‘Sparks will fly: How to hack your home’. In three demonstration-packed events Danielle George will take three great British inventions - the light bulb, the telephone and the motor - and show you how to hack, adapt and transform them to do extraordinary things. Find out more about the Lectures here.
This activity leads on from the Royal Institution’s visit to The Royal London Children’s Hospital last summer when the ExpeRimental team transformed the hospital’s play area, roof garden and wards into an exciting hands-on science laboratory for the day. Find out more here.
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Medical Director at Barts Health NHS Trust, Dr Steve Ryan, said: 'I am delighted that the Royal Institution has welcomed our young patients at this year's Christmas Lectures, continuing our strong relationship. Having fun is one of the greatest ways for children to learn new things, especially for those who are battling serious illness.
About Barts Health NHS Trust
With a turnover of £1.25 billion and a workforce of 14,000, Barts Health NHS Trust is the largest NHS trust in the country, and one of Britain’s leading healthcare providers. The trust’s six hospitals – St Bartholomew’s (Barts) Hospital in the City, The Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel, The London Chest Hospital in Bethnal Green, Newham University Hospital in Plaistow, Mile End Hospital and Whipps Cross University Hospital in Leytonstone – deliver high quality compassionate care to the 2.5 million people of east London and beyond.
Find out more at www.bartshealth.nhs.uk and follow @NHSBartsHealth for the latest news.