Norfolk's Jenny Lind Children's Hospital celebrates 170th anniversary

The hospital said more than four million children had been treated at "the Jenny" since its opening in 1854

A children's hospital is celebrating its 170th anniversary this month.

The Jenny Lind Children's Hospital at Colney, near Norwich, was founded after an endowment from the Swedish opera singer and opened on 3 April 1854.

The health unit, part of Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH), was the second dedicated children's hospital to open in the UK.

Tom Spink, chair of NNUH, said: "The Jenny has grown into a renowned specialist centre."

He added that in 2023 more than 1,000 babies were treated at the hospital's neonatal intensive care unit.

On Wednesday the hospital's young patients and their families were visited by a team of clowns and Amanda Smith, a Norfolk storyteller who performed a reimagining of the life of Jenny Lind.

Clowns visited the hospital's young patients on Wednesday

Richard England, a paediatric consultant surgeon, said: "We had an amazing day yesterday with a great atmosphere across the hospital.

"We also heard from our current staff about the rapid pace of improvements in care [and] research."

'Holistic approach'

In January the hospital opened an £8.6m specialist children's theatre unit, which included two theatres and a recovery unit.

Mr Spink added: "[The Jenny] is now massive with dedicated paediatric physiotherapy, occupational therapy, psychology and dietetic teams providing a holistic approach to paediatric care.

"Our paediatric team is also involved in international collaborations, with established strong links to the University of East Anglia, and the Quadram Institute."

The hospital said more than four million children had been treated at the Jenny since its opening.

Mr England said: "We mark this anniversary to take the opportunity to remember the legacy of Jenny Lind and to celebrate the subsequent development of paediatric care across the East of England."

On Saturday the hospital will host a commemorative music event at St Peter Mancroft Church, Norwich, which will include a performance from the Norfolk-based soprano Rebecca Kaznowski.

Proceeds will go towards funding parental accommodation at the hospital.

Julie Cooper, from Norfolk and Norwich Hospitals Charity, said: "Some of our children can be in hospital for weeks or even months at a time, with some of our young patients coming from other counties, including Suffolk and Essex.

"So [parents and carers] having somewhere to stay close by can make a huge difference."