Birmingham Children's Hospital marks 160 years with giant mosaic - BBC News
November 22,2022
The project was led by physician Thomas Heslop who wanted to create a dedicated institution for children when disease in the industrial city "was rife", a charity spokesperson said.
Many children were living in poverty and infant mortality rates were high.
Over the years, the hospital moved to larger premises on Ladywood Middleway before relocating back to Steelhouse Lane and its current home.
The hospital, which treats about 90,000 children a year, has also asked people to scan a QR code next to the mosaic and help support it.
Mark Brider, chief executive of Birmingham Childrenâs Hospital Charity, said it was thrilled to be celebrating "such an incredible milestone".
"We have a long and proud history of supporting local children and to see so many of them incorporated into this beautiful display really brings home how many lives weâve changed for the better and how lucky we are to have such a world-renowned paediatric centre on our doorstep," he said.
"Iâd really encourage people to stop and ponder when visiting the installation."
He also thanked Network Rail for allowing the charity to use its main concourse, used daily by thousands of people.
"No doubt many of those people will have a connection to our hospital themselves," he added.