Helen Hayes MP visits King’s Children’s Emergency Department

09 December 2025 - Local MP spreads Christmas joy during annual tree decorating visit

On Friday 5 December, Helen Hayes, Member of Parliament for Dulwich and West Norwood, visited the Children’s Emergency Department at King’s College Hospital to help decorate the Christmas tree, an annual tradition first started by her predecessor, the late Tessa Jowell.

The local MP helped decorate the tree along with patients and staff, before talking to some of the doctors and nurses about the important role they have in caring for paediatric patients.

Helen was joined by members of the Emergency Department team, alongside Professor Clive Kay, King’s Chief Executive, who said: “We look forward to Helen’s annual visit to our Children’s Emergency Department at Christmas to decorate the tree and help make it feel festive for the children who require emergency care.

“We appreciate Helen taking the time to talk to staff about their experiences of working in the NHS at our busiest time, and to patients receiving care.”

Helen Hayes MP added: “It is always a pleasure to visit King’s Emergency Department, particularly at Christmas, to talk to the hard-working staff and local patients at this busy time of year.

“I am especially grateful to all of the staff in the King’s Emergency Department who will be working throughout the Christmas and New Year period to deliver vital services.”