Historic children's hospital foundation stone restored as part of centenary milestone

A historic foundation stone marking a pivotal moment in the development of children's healthcare in Aberdeen has been restored and given a new home outside Royal Aberdeen Children's Hospital.

The stone was originally laid on 29 October 1926 by Harvey Hall, Chairman of Directors of the Royal Aberdeen Hospital for Sick Children, during construction of the hospital building that would open at Foresterhill in January 1929.

A century later, the stone has been carefully recovered, cleaned and restored thanks to the dogged determination of three highly respected, and now retired, figures in local paediatric healthcare.

Professor George G Youngson CBE, Dr Derek King and Mr Chris Driver are co-editing a book titled 'Healing the Bairns' which documents the history of children’s hospitals in Aberdeen. This research and writing will preserve an important piece of healthcare heritage for future generations and they felt it important to locate, secure and showcase the original foundation stone.

Derek and George spent many long hours searching, eventually locating the foundation stone, hidden beneath overgrown vegetation in a long-forgotten corner of the campus. They enlisted the help of NHS Grampian's grounds team in moving the stone to a prominent position, beside the much-loved Spider Dolphin and Oor Bob the Builder sculptures. The Archie Foundation funded the cleaning and restoration of the stone, including the refurbishment of its original lettering.

Professor Youngson was NHS Grampian’s first dedicated paediatric surgeon, joining as a consultant in 1984 and becoming a full-time paediatric surgeon in 1988. Consultant Haematologist Dr Derek King was recognised as Doctor of the Year in the Scottish Health Awards 2014, the year before he retired. Consultant Paediatric Surgeon, Mr Chris Driver, retired from practice in June this year. 

The stone commemorates the construction of the former Royal Aberdeen Hospital for Sick Children, the first institution to occupy the new Foresterhill site as part of the visionary Joint Hospital Scheme which brought together services on a single campus.

Today, that visionary legacy continues at Royal Aberdeen Children's Hospital, which recently achieved Magnet Recognition with Distinction®, one of the highest international honours for nursing excellence and patient care.

NHS Grampian Chief Executive, Laura Skaife-Knight commented: "This restored foundation stone represents far more than a piece of granite. It symbolises generations of healthcare professionals, supporters and communities who were determined to improve the lives of children and young people across the North-east of Scotland.

"As we mark the centenary of its laying, it is fitting that this important part of our history has been preserved and given pride of place. The values that inspired those who built the hospital 100 years ago continue to guide us today. Receiving Magnet Recognition with Distinction reflects the exceptional care, compassion and professionalism of our teams. This international recognition demonstrates that while we are proud of our history, we are equally proud of the world-class care being delivered for children and families today.

"I would particularly like to recognise Professor Youngson, Dr King, and Mr Driver, whose passion and commitment to preserving the history of paediatric healthcare in our region has brought this project to life."

The restoration comes at a significant time for children's healthcare in Aberdeen. In 2027, Aberdeen will mark 150 years since the opening of its first dedicated children's hospital, providing another opportunity to celebrate the city's longstanding commitment to caring for children and families.

Paula Cormack, Chief Executive of The Archie Foundation, said: "George, Derek and Chris have each made an extraordinary contribution to paediatric healthcare in the North-east throughout their careers.

"Their passion for advancing and improving healthcare for children and young people remains as strong as ever, and that dedication is evident in the work they are doing to record and share this remarkable history.

"All three have also served full terms as highly engaged trustees of The Archie Foundation, continuing to give their time, expertise and energy in support of local children and families. They are true local heroes and Archie is delighted to support both the restoration of the foundation stone and the publication of Healing the Bairns.

"Preserving our history helps us understand just how far children's healthcare has come and inspires future generations to continue that progress."

Healing the Bairns is being developed with support from The Archie Foundation and will tell the story of children's hospitals in Aberdeen, the people who shaped them and the generations of young patients whose lives were touched by their care.

Healing the Bairns is available for purchase through the Archie website – www.archie.org/shop