A significant foundation stone, originally laid in 1926 to commemorate the construction of the Royal Aberdeen Hospital for Sick Children, has been restored and given a new prominent position outside the current Royal Aberdeen Children's Hospital. The stone marks a pivotal moment in the development of children's healthcare in Aberdeen.
The stone was first laid by Harvey Hall, Chairman of Directors of the Royal Aberdeen Hospital for Sick Children, during the construction of the hospital building which opened at Foresterhill in January 1929. A century later, the stone has been recovered, cleaned, and restored through the efforts of retired paediatric healthcare professionals Professor George G Youngson CBE, Dr Derek King, and Mr Chris Driver.
These individuals, who are co-editing a book titled 'Healing the Bairns' documenting the history of children’s hospitals in Aberdeen, felt it crucial to locate and showcase the original foundation stone. After a lengthy search, they found the stone hidden on the hospital campus and, with assistance from NHS Grampian's grounds team, moved it to a prominent location near the 'Spider Dolphin' and 'Oor Bob the Builder' sculptures. The Archie Foundation funded the cleaning and restoration of the stone and its lettering.
Professor Youngson was NHS Grampian’s first dedicated paediatric surgeon, while Dr Derek King, a Consultant Haematologist, was recognised as Doctor of the Year in the Scottish Health Awards 2014. Consultant Paediatric Surgeon Mr Chris Driver retired in June this year. The stone commemorates the former Royal Aberdeen Hospital for Sick Children, the first institution on the Foresterhill site as part of the Joint Hospital Scheme.
Laura Skaife-Knight, NHS Grampian Chief Executive, commented that the restored stone symbolises generations of healthcare professionals, supporters, and communities dedicated to improving children's lives in the North-east of Scotland. She highlighted the enduring values that inspired the hospital's founders and noted that the recent Magnet Recognition with Distinction® achieved by the Royal Aberdeen Children's Hospital reflects the exceptional care provided.
She also recognised the passion of Professor Youngson, Dr King, and Mr Driver in preserving the history of paediatric healthcare. The restoration coincides with Aberdeen preparing to mark 150 years since its first dedicated children's hospital opened in 2027.
Paula Cormack, Chief Executive of The Archie Foundation, praised the 'extraordinary contribution' of George, Derek, and Chris to paediatric healthcare and their dedication to recording this history. She noted their continued support as trustees of The Archie Foundation and expressed delight in supporting both the stone's restoration and the 'Healing the Bairns' book.
The book, 'Healing the Bairns', developed with support from The Archie Foundation, will detail the story of Aberdeen's children's hospitals, the people involved, and the young patients impacted. It is available for purchase via the Archie website.
