Giving Tuesday 2018 The National Brain Appeal No Images? Click here The National Hospital portico, late 1950sCelebrating The National HospitalToday is Giving Tuesday – the global day of giving back and doing something good after the spending sprees of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Each year we share a Giving Tuesday story, and this year we wanted to show you a little of the rich history of Queen Square. From its very beginnings back in 1859, The National Hospital was an impressive institution. It was the world’s first hospital for those with neurological conditions, and was responsible for groundbreaking research into many conditions, and renowned for its neurosurgical work. Queen Square has been a world-leader when it comes to clinical excellence for well over a century now – something to be cherished and celebrated. Take a look at this operating theatre in The National Hospital from 1935 – at the time this would have been a showcase for the latest techniques and equipment. Fast-forward 83 years and things have progressed hugely in the field of neurosurgery. The National Hospital has the UK's largest neurosurgery department, and treats patients nationally and internationally. Earlier this year we saw the opening of the new operating theatres in Queen Square. Thanks to you, we raised £4m to fully-fund a new spinal theatre, which means the hospital can treat more patients who need these complex operations. This photo shows some of the nursing staff in 1886. Back then, nurse salaries were paid by generous benefactors. In fact, The National Hospital was built on charitable donations after two sisters lobbied for a dedicated neurology hospital in London. Now, 132 years later, instead of funding nurses' salaries we fund Nurse Fellowship posts so that Queen Square staff have the opportunity to extend their learning and training, and improve patient care – all of which helps to keep Queen Square as a centre of excellence. We know how crucial it is to preserve the rich history of Queen Square while investing in its future by funding vital research, training, and the latest equipment and facilities. The National Brain Appeal is here to ensure Queen Square gets the funding it needs. Will you make a difference this Giving Tuesday and help us to continue this work? Please click on our link below if you are able to donate – and thank you! If you would like to know more about Queen Square's past, you can buy the newly released Queen Square: A History of the National Hospital and its Institute of Neurology, £59.99 from our online shop. Proceeds from sales are being donated to The National Brain Appeal. For more events, personal stories and how you can get involved, please visit |