Great Ormond Street Hospital, widely known as GOSH, is a world-renowned children's hospital situated in the historic Bloomsbury area of the London Borough of Camden. Operating as a vital part of the Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, GOSH stands as a beacon of hope and healing for young patients requiring specialist care. For decades, it was affectionately known as the Hospital for Sick Children, a name that reflects its enduring dedication to pediatric health and well-being.

A Global Leader in Pediatric Medical Innovation

GOSH has consistently been at the forefront of medical advancements for children, achieving significant milestones that have transformed pediatric care globally.

• Advanced Cardiac Care: The hospital proudly holds the distinction of being the largest centre for child heart surgery in the United Kingdom. Furthermore, it is recognised as one of the largest and most experienced centres for heart transplantation in the world, offering life-saving procedures to countless children with complex cardiac conditions.
• Groundbreaking Medical Devices: In 1962, GOSH spearheaded the development of the very first heart and lung bypass machine specifically designed for children. This innovation revolutionised complex cardiac surgeries, making procedures safer and more effective for young patients who previously had limited options.
• Collaborative Innovations with Roald Dahl: A unique partnership between GOSH and the beloved children's author Roald Dahl led to significant improvements in medical devices. Together, they developed an enhanced shunt valve for children suffering from hydrocephalus – a condition often referred to as "water on the brain" – dramatically improving quality of life for these patients. This collaboration also contributed to the advancement of non-invasive (percutaneous) heart valve replacements, reducing the need for open-heart surgery for some children.
• Vaccine Development and Advanced Therapies: GOSH has played a crucial role in public health initiatives and cutting-edge treatments. They conducted the first clinical trials in the UK for the rubella vaccine, a pivotal step in eradicating this disease. Moreover, the hospital pioneered the first bone marrow transplant and the first gene therapy treatment for severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), often tragically known as "bubble baby disease," offering new hope and cures for what were once fatal conditions.

A Hub for Pediatric Research and Education

Beyond its clinical excellence, Great Ormond Street Hospital is deeply committed to advancing medical knowledge through research and education. It maintains a close and integral association with University College London (UCL), one of the world's leading multidisciplinary universities. This powerful partnership extends to the UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, which is conveniently located adjacent to the hospital. Together, they form the largest centre for research and postgraduate teaching in children's health across Europe, shaping the future of pediatric medicine by training the next generation of specialists and driving innovative research breakthroughs.

J.M. Barrie's Timeless Gift: The Peter Pan Copyright

In a truly extraordinary and enduring act of philanthropy, the acclaimed Scottish novelist and playwright J. M. Barrie, author of the beloved Peter Pan stories, donated the copyright to Peter Pan to Great Ormond Street Hospital in 1929. This remarkable gift ensures that the hospital continuously receives royalties from performances, publications, and adaptations of Peter Pan. This unique and generous endowment has provided, and continues to provide, a significant and invaluable stream of funding, helping GOSH to deliver world-class care, fund vital research, and support its ongoing mission for generations of children.

Frequently Asked Questions About Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH)

Where is Great Ormond Street Hospital located?

GOSH is located in the Bloomsbury area of the London Borough of Camden, in central London, United Kingdom.

What is GOSH's role in pediatric heart care?

GOSH is the largest centre for child heart surgery in the UK and one of the largest centres globally for heart transplantation. It has a long history of innovation in pediatric cardiac care, including developing the first child heart and lung bypass machine.

How did Roald Dahl contribute to GOSH's medical advancements?

In collaboration with GOSH, Roald Dahl helped develop an improved shunt valve for children with hydrocephalus and contributed to advancements in non-invasive (percutaneous) heart valve replacements. His personal experience with his son's hydrocephalus motivated his involvement.

What is the significance of the Peter Pan copyright donation to GOSH?

In 1929, J. M. Barrie generously donated the copyright to Peter Pan to GOSH. This unique gift provides an ongoing source of royalty income, helping to fund the hospital's vital work in treating sick children, conducting research, and supporting its operations.

Is GOSH involved in medical research and education?

Yes, GOSH is closely associated with University College London (UCL) and partners with the UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health. This partnership forms Europe's largest centre for research and postgraduate teaching in children's health, driving innovation and training future pediatric specialists.