Give to GOSH: An interactive history of the UK's largest children's hospital

Sebastian Mann1 December 2015

The world-famous Great Ormond Street Hospital began more than 160 years ago as a cramped town house with just two doctors and 10 beds.

But since February 14, 1852, it has grown into a world-leading paediatric centre with room for hundreds of child patients in the heart of London.

Founded by Dr Charles West in response to shockingly high levels of infant mortality in London, today it treats hundreds of thousands of the country's sickest children every year and has a name respected around the globe.

Among its achievements, the Bloomsbury hospital counts a litany of major medical breakthroughs including the pioneering of the world's first heart and lung bypass machine and, most recently, life-saving treatment on a baby girl with leukaemia that was said to be incurable.

It now boasts the UK’s widest range of health services for children on one site, with 51 specialities, and has more than 250,000 patient visits a year.

Here is a potted history of the world-renowned hospital. Hover over the blobs for information about key dates.

It is a long and rich history - made possible by the generosity of a wide range of financial donors.

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