Press release: Southampton Children's Hospital to be part of BBC's superhero celebrations

Patients and staff at Southampton Children’s Hospital will hit the nation’s TV screens this week as part of the BBC’s CBeebies and CBBC Hospital Superheroes celebrations.

The broadcast, which sees the BBC Children’s team showcase stories of young patients and the staff who care for them across the NHS, will air tomorrow (Thursday).

In the first instalment on CBeebies from 7.15am, viewers’ favourite Dodge will meet canine companion Archie, a Pets As Therapy (PAT) dog, and his handler Karen, who were nominated by oncology patient Georgia.

There will then be a chance to see photos of patients and staff from across the hospital holding superhero poses and nominating their hospital superheroes before participating in the ‘Big Christmas Singalong’.

Meanwhile, on the CBBC Channel from 8am, viewers will see clips of heart and kidney transplant patient James, who pays tribute to his mum, doctor and physiotherapists, and oncology patient Gracie with her superhero, PAT dog Leo, and his handler Lyndsey.

The full clip of James will play on the CBBC Channel from 6.30pm, while all films will be available on the BBC iPlayer later in the day.

“It is wonderful for our patients and staff to be involved in such a fun and rewarding project and there is much excitement ahead of the broadcasts on CBeebies and CBBC,” said Joyce Stebbings, youth and play services manager at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust.

“We were delighted to be able to give our children the chance to meet Dodge and the rest of the team and it is a real honour for us to share the stories of our patients and staff nationally.”

Claire Taylor, BBC Children’s producer, added: “It is wonderful to be able to represent hospitals all over the UK as part of BBC Children’s Hospital Superheroes.

“We’ve met such inspirational and brave children and such dedicated NHS staff. We would like to say thank you to Southampton Children’s Hospital for having us and giving us an insight into the incredible work they do.”