The Duchess of Cambridge is showing her support for St Mary's Hospital in Paddington, where she gave birth to her two children Prince George and Princess Charlotte. As someone who was "brilliantly cared for" by the nurses and doctors, Kate has decided to give back to the hospital by supporting its fundraising appeal.
The More Smiles Appeal, which was launched earlier this week by Imperial College Healthcare Charity and charity COSMIC, aims to raise at least £2million towards a new children's intensive care unit.
The money raised will help provide more beds for children, upgrade equipment and build a dedicated parents' room among other facilities.
© Photo: Getty Images"As someone who was so brilliantly cared for by St Mary's, I am delighted to support the Children's Intensive Care Appeal," said Kate
"The thought of your child in an intensive care unit is harrowing for any parent," said Kate, who was last in the hospital in May for the birth of Princess Charlotte.
"The commitment to expand and transform the Children's Intensive Care Unit at St Mary's Hospital will vitally guarantee more space to treat more children and support more families.
"As someone who was so brilliantly cared for by St Mary's, I am delighted to support the Children's Intensive Care Appeal, and commend the important work of all those involved in the project.''
© Photo: Getty ImagesThe £2million appeal will upgrade and extend the hospital's Children's Intensive Care Unit
Each year around 400 patients are cared for in the Children's Intensive Care Unit, but St Mary's has to turn away hundreds more critically ill children because it does not have enough beds. Last year 233 youngsters weren't provided for, meaning some had to be transferred hundreds of miles away for treatment.
With the help of donations, the new unit will have 15 beds, almost doubling the current number, allowing more than 200 extra children to be cared for each year. There will also be a private room where doctors and nurses can provide emotional support to families whose children are seriously ill.
The unit specialises in treating serious infections in children including meningitis and septicaemia, as well as specialising in other life-threatening conditions such as seizures, asthma and sickle cell disease.
© Photo: Getty ImagesPrince George was also born at the Lindo Wing in 2013
The appeal that Kate is supporting hopes to raise £2million out of the £10million needed. The remainder of the costs will be funded by Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust and Imperial College Healthcare Charity.
"Our campaign will save more lives and help us give even better care to more critically ill children and their families," said Dr Simon Nadel, Children's Intensive Care Unit consultant and clinical lead. "We are most grateful for the Duchess of Cambridge's support and warm wishes."
