Her Majesty The Queen opens St George’s Hospital intensive care balcony as brain surgery nurse recovers in her own ward
The Queen joined St George’s Hospital’s neurology doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals, charity trustees and some of the hospital’s most critically ill patients before officially opening the Neuro Intensive Care Unit’s balcony garden on 2 June.
The Queen was introduced to one patient in the neurosurgery ward who is one of St George’s own brain surgery nurses – currently being treated in the ward she usually works in after suffering a brain haemorrhage two weeks ago.
Catherine Oppong-Barbo, who has worked as a neurosurgery nurse at St George’s Hospital since 2017, said, “The balcony is a connection to the outside world after being beside lots of machines in intensive care, it makes it feel like I can breathe freely again.
“Now I’m using the balcony as a patient, I can put myself in their shoes and truly feel how big of an impact this is going to make”, said Catherine, 48, living in South West London.
Catherine told The Queen, “The balcony is a haven for patients and their families – it’s a space to connect while recovering.”
The Queen speaks to Catherine Oppong-Barbo
The garden was created through a partnership between the John King Brain Tumour Foundation and St George’s Hospital Charity, transforming a previously unused space into an accessible roof garden, directly connected to the intensive care unit.
The space aims to improve patient wellbeing, backed up by research which suggests that nature-based rehabilitation may help improve the impact of brain injury by improving motivation, regulating mood and improving sensory-motor and cognitive functions.
The Queen was introduced to the Matron of the intensive care unit, Daisy Papel, who has worked at St George’s for 24 years.
Daisy shared how the purpose-built green space offers patients with complex brain injury, tumours or stroke – and their families – access to fresh air, natural light and the outside world while remaining safely within the hospital’s expert clinical care.
For many critically ill patients, this was previously out of reach.
Daisy Papel said: “The balcony is really important not only for our patients, but their families as well, to be able to see them outside of the ward and support them, which drastically helps to improve patient wellbeing.
“Coming outside from the intensive care unit, you cannot really express the happiness patients experience.
“The garden is an escape for them, and a space for them to enjoy crucial time with their families – the difference is breathtaking.”
St George’s Hospital is one of the UK’s leading teaching hospitals and the third largest provider in London for neurosurgery.
The Neurology Intensive Care Unit – a 14-bed intensive care unit with around 850 admissions per year – holds state-of-the-art equipment to offer comprehensive services for the diagnosis, treatment and care of all conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, muscles and the nervous system.
During the visit, The Queen was welcomed by the hospital Group Chair, Sir Mark Lowcock, who explained that St George’s Hospital is an internationally renowned centre of excellence for neuroscience, providing neurology, neurosurgery, neurorehabilitation and stroke.
The Queen joined guests in the balcony garden including Laura King, founder of the John King Brain Tumour Foundation, who told attendees about the importance of the garden following her husband’s passing in November 2016 after being treated at St George’s.
St George’s Hospital Charity Chair David Meek thanked trustees for their support in helping to open the balcony garden, and to guests and Her Majesty for their attendance.
The Queen unveiled the plaque which was celebrated by all attendees including patients, neurology doctors and nurses, and special guests of the charities.
Sir Mark Lowcock, Chair of St George’s, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals and Health Group, said: “We are honoured and so very thankful to welcome to Her Majesty The Queen to St George’s Hospital, and all our guests who joined us to officially open the neurology intensive care unit’s balcony garden.
“More than 850 patients are treated in the unit every year by our world-class care teams – and now, this beautiful balcony garden offers patients in intensive care with complex brain injury, tumours or stroke – and their families – a space to connect with the outside world during their time in hospital.
“This is all down to the determination of the John King Brain Tumour Foundation and of St George’s Hospital Charity – thank you.”
Laura King, Chair and Founder of the John King Brain Tumour Foundation, said: “This year marks ten years since my husband John died. After being diagnosed with a glioblastoma brain tumour in 2015, he was treated by the incredible team at St George’s Hospital.
“Creating these balcony gardens has been a true passion project. Ten years on, it feels like a deeply poignant way to honour John’s memory and create something lasting for many other families in the future.”
David Meek, Chair of St George’s Hospital Charity, said: “Patients and families deserve not only outstanding clinical care, but environments that support wellbeing, dignity and recovery during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
“At St George’s Hospital Charity our mission is to create the best possible experience for our patients and staff, and the transformation of the Neuro Intensive Care Unit balcony is a powerful example of our impact in action. Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of St George’s Hospital Charity supporters, and of the John King Brain Tumour Foundation, hundreds of patients and families will benefit each year from the respite the balcony offers.
“We are deeply grateful to Her Majesty The Queen for joining us to mark this special occasion, and to everyone whose dedication support helped bring this vision to life.”
