The Duchess of Edinburgh recently visited the brand-new King’s College Academy in South London to mark the NHS’s 75th anniversary.
Sophie marked the 75th anniversary of the NHS at King’s College. (King’s College)
The Duchess was given a tour of the new facility, where she also met NHS staff who will work there.
Sophie saw the training that will take place in the King’s Academy, including taking blood and resuscitation, and was shown the latest manikins which are used to create and recreate immersive patient simulations.
The new Academy will include teaching rooms to enable staff to practice their technical skills for procedures such as catheterisation and IV cannulation, also delivering in-person and online training and education opportunities for NHS staff from other Trusts.
HRH toured the new facilities. (King’s College)
To conclude the visit, Sophie unveiled a plaque to mark the opening of the facility and cut a birthday cake to mark the 75th anniversary of the NHS, which had been baked by one of the nurses, Irene dela Cruz.
Professor Clive Kay, Chief Executive, said: ‘The King’s Academy is a really exciting new project for the Trust, so we were delighted that Her Royal Highness was able to visit the new facility, and meet and talk to staff.
‘The fact we were able to open the new facility on the NHS’ 75th birthday made the day extra special, and we are looking forward to using the new facility to help train future generations of healthcare professionals, both at King’s and further afield.’
The Duchess unveiled a plaque to mark the visit. (King’s College)
Also marking the 75th anniversary of the NHS, the Royal joined her husband, The Duke of Edinburgh, for a service at Westminster Abbey, where they were seated alongside politicians and NHS staff.
In 2021, the Duchess applauded healthcare staff for their efforts during the pandemic. She also highlighted the important role they played in delivering the vaccine to the public.
‘Thank you so much to all of you,’ Sophie said. ‘It doesn’t matter what part of the system you’re working in, whether you’re general practitioner nurses, whether you’re healthcare assistants. We all know how much this pandemic has put on you and we’re hugely grateful for all of your hard work.’
