GOSH Charity commits £40 million to transform patient and family experience

This week, we’re proud to launch our first-ever Patient and Family Experience strategy.

The strategy outlines our bold vision to transform the care journey for patients and families at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) over the next five years.

At the heart of this strategy are the voices that matter most: patients and their families.

As part of this ambitious strategy, GOSH Charity will invest over £40 million into enhancing the experience of patients and families at GOSH.

This funding will build on previous investments, and the specific areas of focus are:

• Providing a “home away from home” for patients and families, including non-clinical spaces that are comfortable and homely and better food options that are affordable and accessible.
• Providing fun and relief for patients, including entertainment on wards and in waiting areas, and opportunities for children and young people to game.
• Helping families to cope, including supporting the mental wellbeing of parents and carers and providing them with opportunities to connect with others in a similar situation.
• Treating every patient as a whole person, with a particular emphasis on teenagers and young people, empowering patients to advocate for themselves.

We’ve funded the Play team at GOSH since 2012 – there are currently 52 team members. This toy-toting team make hospital a little bit easier and a lot more fun, while helping to ease fears and concerns for patients, siblings and parents.

As part of this new strategy, GOSH Charity has committed over £10m over the next three years to increase access to play for all children, providing more fun and relief for the patients and families at the hospital.

At GOSH Charity, we want every patient at GOSH to have the best experience possible.

That’s why we listen closely to patients and families, to understand their needs, and fund services that help them feel cared for, understood, and supported, no matter their background or circumstances. Many families also face additional challenges, including hardship and disabilities themselves, and we’re here to help.

This strategy was built with the voices of those who matter most - patients and their families. By working closely with families, GOSH Charity ensures that funding decisions reflect real needs and make a meaningful difference.