Pupils from Princes Primary School and Lawrence Community School have planted a time capsule in the foundations of Liverpool Women’s Hospital’s new Neonatal Unit which is set to open today (10th February).
The time capsule marks the opening of the hospital’s new Neonatal Unit, which has been built to provide innovative and better care for the most vulnerable babies.
The local school children were invited by the Liverpool Women’s Charity and Interserve, the construction company overseeing the build. They each drew pictures of their hopes for future careers, which were placed in the capsule alongside messages from parents who had previously had babies on the old unit. Other items placed in the capsule included photos, a time-lapse of the construction of the build, and letters of thanks to midwifes and nurses who have helped families over the years.
Emma Millward from Interserve Construction said:
“It was a delight to engage with students from Lawrence Primary & Princes Primary for the time capsule ceremony marking the sectional completion of the new facility improving the patient experience for women, babies & their families. Interserve are very honoured to be part of the team who collaboratively ensured the successful delivery of this project for Liverpool Women’s Hospital.”
The time capsule has been placed underneath the entrance to the new unit, with the children and Executive staff from the hospital helping to bury it. It will be dug up in ten years to see how time has changed since.
Sue Prescott, a teacher at Princes Primary School, said:
“What an amazing experience this has been for everyone to enjoy and look back on. The children really enjoyed seeing their drawings being placed in the capsule and it was a treat for them to be able to bury it themselves.”
The new unit was funded by the Big Tiny Steps Appeal, which so far has raised £241,000 to fund the development.
Kate Davis, Head of Fundraising, said:
“We were thrilled to mark the first phase of the neonatal development – by inviting local school children to the site to bury a time capsule, commemorating LWH neonatal unit’s journey. They were very excited to be part of LWH history. We would like to thank Interserve for joining in the celebration and making the event possible.”
