The High Sheriff of Cambridgeshire visited the site of the new Cambridge Children’s Hospital to learn more about the benefits the facility will bring to the county and the East of England. He also presented special awards to patients and staff who have been involved in the project.
To start his visit, the High Sheriff, Francis Burkitt DL, toured current children’s services at Addenbrooke’s Hospital and learnt about the acute mental healthcare provision at Fulbourn Hospital, both of which will come together under one roof when the hospital opens, alongside research. He also met with the project team and NHS staff who are working to develop a hospital that transforms outcomes for children, young people and families across the region.
The new Cambridge Children’s Hospital is going to be amazing - it’ll serve children all over East of England, and be so cutting-edge that it will literally be the envy of the world when it opens - and that’s something we can all be immeasurably proud of.
Francis Burkitt DL, High Sheriff of Cambridgeshire
As part of the visit, the High Sheriff presented four High Sheriff Awards, recognising staff and patients whose contributions are helping to drive improvement and shape the vision for the Cambridge Children’s Hospital.
Celebrating regional children and families
One award was presented to Benjamin and his mum Sarah on behalf of Cambridge Children’s Network, whose members from across the region are supporting the hospital development. Benjamin and Sarah have been involved since 2023, drawing on their lived experience of hospital care to share feedback and ideas. Cambridge Children’s Hospital runs a Youth Forum and Young Adult Forum, as well as a Parent Carer Voice. Additionally, six Parent Advocates sit within the project team to ensure families are represented in all aspects of the hospital development and support decision making.
Being part of Cambridge Children’s Network and using our experience to give our insights to the new hospital has been a privilege for me and my mum. However, there are dozens of other children, young people and carers who have been involved. Together we are shaping how the hospital will look, feel, and care, ensuring it is fit for future patients.
Benjamin, 17
Recognising Pilgrim Pathways School for shaping the future of hospital education
A second award was given to Nadine Gooding-Hebert, Headteacher of the Ofsted-Outstanding Pilgrim Pathways School, on behalf of her teaching team who have helped shape the future hospital school. Also accepting the award was Deputy Headteacher Sonia Trickey. Pilgrim Pathways (opens in a new tab) is the LEA-run education provider at Cambridge University hospitals and Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust.
The new hospital will have classrooms on every ward, a main school on the ground floor, and dedicated staff spaces, which Nadine said will allow them to work even more closely together to support children and young people who are unable to attend school due to physical or mental health needs.
Nadine said they were delighted to accept the award form the High Sheriff, adding: "It has been immensely rewarding to work alongside our colleagues in health as we imagine and shape the future of our school within Cambridge Children’s Hospital.
We remain deeply committed to holding hope for every one of our students—making sure they feel supported, stay connected to their learning, and can return to their community schools with confidence as soon as they are well enough.
Nadine Gooding-Hebert, Headteacher, Pilgrim Pathways School
Ensuring play underpins the vision of Cambridge Children’s Hospital
Play Specialists and Nursery Nurses use therapeutic play and specialised normalising play to provide a vital component to paediatric medicine, reducing anxiety and supporting rehabilitation. Together, this helps children and families during a hospital admission, developing understanding and coping strategies for future treatment.
Health Play Specialists Bryony How and Ann Bentley accepted an award on behalf of the Addenbrooke’s Hospital play team, who have supported the development of the new hospital through the lens of ‘play’. Their efforts will ensure play underpins every aspect of the hospital operation and is an integral part of the holistic care on offer, from the moment a child and their loved ones come through the doors.
It has been incredible to plan what play will look like at the future Cambridge Children’s Hospital, ensuring we have even more opportunities to support children, young people and their families through play, in many different ways. It's an honour to receive this award from the High Sheriff.
Bryony How, Health Play Specialist, Addenbrooke's Hospital
Cambridge Children’s Hospital Regional Ambassadors
The final award was given in recognition of the Cambridge Children’s Hospital Ambassadors. They have been pivotal in championing the urgent need for the new hospital and the benefits it will bring to children, young people and their families.
What began in 2020 as a plan to secure a few supporters in each county has grown into a strong network of over 50 Ambassadors, representing Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, and Essex. Their strategic advocacy and phenomenal community engagement have amplified the fundraising campaign across the region and beyond.
They have already helped raised £20 million, a vital step toward the £100 million goal.
Helen Pemberton, a member of Cambridge Children’s Hospital Campaign Board, said she was delighted to receive the award on behalf of her Ambassadors.
These volunteers have worked tirelessly over the past five years to raise more than £20m for Cambridge Children's Hospital. They have championed this project in all six counties and it is due to their unwavering commitment that we have achieved such a fabulous amount.
Helen Pemberton, Cambridge Children's Hospital Campaign Board
Reflections from the High Sheriff
Speaking afterwards, Francis Burkitt DL said he had met members of the design team during his visit, but was delighted to present High Sheriff's Certificates of Appreciation to a number of people who have been involved in Cambridge Children's Hospital project.
We talked about the medical provision, the focus on mental health, and even the food - which is going to be delicious. We also talked about the incredible fundraising effort that’s raised over half of the target of £100m - an extraordinary achievement. We can all be so proud of this incredible new Children’s Hospital, and I can’t wait for the opening party!
Francis Burkitt DL
Located on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge Children’s Hospital will be a world first in fully integrating mental and physical healthcare under one roof, with a world-leading research institute embedded in the heart of the building. It will bring specialist care closer to home giving children and families across the East of England better, more equitable access to the care they need with less time away from school, home and community. Construction is expected to start in 2027 and last for three years.