Alder Hey was originally created as a workhouse, providing care for the sick. By July 1914, a portion of the institution was allotted for the accommodation of sick children after concerns were raised over a serious epidemic of eye disease in young children.
Here is a brief timeline of the history of Alder Hey.
1910
The Board of Poor Law Guardians purchase Alder Hey, a mansion set on 25 acres of land in West Derby, Liverpool with the intention of building a new workhouse for the city’s poor. The plans include an area dedicated to caring for the paupers’ sick children.
1914
A new modern hospital was erected and opened its doors in October 1914. 350 children took occupancy of twelve wards, admitted from the workhouse, home or transferred from Walton Hospital.
The doors of Alder Hey are opened after the outbreak of the First World War so the building can also serve as a military hospital known as ‘Camp Hospital 40’. But the wards designed for caring for children retain their purpose. An American military camp is also established on the grounds.
1918
After World War I, the building is firmly established as a children’s hospital – Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.
1924
Alder Hey grows and in October 1924, a decade after opening, the nurses’ home is expanded so there are more staff to look after Liverpool’s sick children.
1939
During World War II, Alder Hey was used to care for Allied and German soldiers (guarded by US police). With accommodation at a maximum, ten extra brick huts were built at the far end of the hospital to house the military. Any soldiers well enough would help carry children to shelters during air raids.
1944
Penicillin was tested on a child for the first time at Alder Hey, saving a child from pneumonia.
1948
The NHS was established on 5th July 1948.
1953
Alder Hey established the world’s first neonatal surgical intensive care unit in 1953. This unit has saved thousands of lives. During the 1950s cardiac surgery was pioneered at Alder Hey.
1964
Alder Hey celebrates its jubilee year with a celebration at Liverpool Cathedral.
1982
Three-time Grand National winner Red Rum visits Alder Hey in April of this year.
1990
Princess Diana surprises children on a visit to Alder Hey on 11th September 1990.
1993
Ronald McDonald House opens next to the hospital to provide a home away from home for the families of sick children being treated at Alder Hey.
2008
Alder Hey becomes an NHS Foundation Trust.
2012
Alder Hey Children’s Charity was launched in 2012 as an independent charity, replacing the previous fundraising function for Alder Hey, the Imagine Appeal which had raised funds for the hospital for many years.
Catherine, Princess of Wales (then the Duchess of Cambridge), visits the Alder Hey on 14th February 2012.
2013
Construction starts on a brand-new hospital on the grounds of Springfield Park.
2014
Alder Hey is 100 years old and is given Freedom of the City of Liverpool in recognition of its treatment and care of children and young people for over a century. During a special celebration at the Town Hall, the City of Liverpool acknowledged Alder Hey’s contribution to making a huge difference in the lives of people in Liverpool and beyond.
2015
On 14th May 2015, King Charles III (then Prince Charles), visits Alder Hey to see the construction of the new hospital.
On 1st October Alder Hey unveil their state-of-the-art new hospital – Alder Hey in the Park – to the world. The new hospital has 270 beds, including 48 critical care beds for ICU, HDU and Burns patients. There are six standard wards with 32 beds. Each ward has two four-bed bays and 24 single rooms with ensuite bathrooms. The majority of bedrooms have park views and patients have easy access to play areas on and outside their ward. There are also 16 operating theatres, four for day-case surgery and twelve inpatient theatres.
2016
In March 2016, Alder Hey opened the Institute in the Park, also known as the Speakman Building – a dedicated research, innovation and education centre located next door to the hospital.
Alder Hey’s new hospital was officially opened on 22nd June 2016 by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip.
2020
During the Covid19 pandemic, Alder Hey treated many adult patients to help colleagues throughout the NHS.
2021
In September 2021, Alder Hey opened the Alder Centre, UK’s only dedicated bereavement centre for child loss.
2023
In April 2023, Alder Hey deliver its first gene therapy treatment as part of a Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy research study.
2024
In January 2024, Alder Hey performed Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) using a new advanced device to help treat dystonia. This was the first time in the world this new technology had been used on a child.
In April 2024, Alder Hey was recognised as one of 15 strong brain tumour centres for children and as one of six centres designated as “Excellent” by The Tessa Jowell Brain Cancer Mission (TJBCM).