Today, we visited the Medical Museum. We met Richard, a former anaesthetist at the hospital who now volunteers at the museum. He shared lots of interesting information about the artefacts.

One of the artefacts was a clock that used to be in the original entrance but was stolen in 2004. Fortunately, a clockmaker named David Card, who had repaired the clock in 1979, recognised it when it was put up for sale at an auction in 2010. Thanks to him, the clock was returned to the hospital.

Richard also showed us the instruments that were once used for amputations, as well as the sleeping masks used to administer anaesthetic. These masks effectively prevented patients from feeling pain.

Another fascinating item was a belt buckle that belonged to Miss Winifred Aldwinckle, who worked at the RBH until she retired in 1966. She was the last matron before changes were made to the nursing hierarchy system.

We also explored instruments used for keyhole surgery and listened to stories from people who had worked at the hospital. One of the highlights of our visit was being allowed to have a go with the air raid siren that was used during the war. It was incredibly loud and gave us a real sense of what it must have been like during that time.

After visiting the museum, we went to the children’s ward—Lion and Dolphin Ward. We were met by the playworkers, who took us to the playroom, where they had set up a variety of activities to show us how they help children in hospital.

For example, they had a LEGO MRI model and posters explaining what to expect if you needed an MRI scan. There was also a model of a hand with a cannula, and we were shown the special cream used to numb the area so that the procedure is painless.

The playworkers also demonstrated how different medical instruments, such as a stethoscope and a blood pressure monitor, are used. We had lots of fun exploring the playroom and trying out the activities.

After that, we were taken on a tour of the ward and saw some of the bays where children who are admitted might stay. We especially liked the colourful murals on the walls and the wooden dolphin sculpture.