Teen and young adult unit opens on neuro ward

23 May 2025 - Dedicated area for young patients undergoing brain or spinal surgery

A section of a neurosurgical ward at King’s College Hospital has been refurbished for use by young patients requiring brain or spinal surgery following feedback from a patient’s family.

Five rooms on Murray Falconer ward have been given a major overhaul and are now more suitable for young people aged between 16 and 24 (often referred to as teenage and young adults) requiring specialist neurosurgical care.

The area has been redecorated to look less clinical and feel more relaxing and comfortable, with the installation of artwork, soft furnishings, games, activities and PlayStations. Each young patient will have their own room, complete with TV, to allow family members to stay the night and provide a more appropriate environment to help aid their recovery. A snug has been developed to allow the patients to socialise with each other on the ward to help avoid feelings of isolation.

The neurosurgical team at King’s treats nearly 200 young people with complex neurosurgical conditions each year, including brain and spinal tumours, epilepsy, hydrocephalus, brain injuries, developmental abnormalities, stroke and intracranial haemorrhages.

Before the new unit opened, young patients had to share clinical bays with older patients who may be confused or have complex neurological needs.

One of those patients was 19-year-old Frankie Smith, who had been treated on a children’s ward at King’s for his condition until he reached adulthood, and then transferred to Murray Falconer ward. His experience there was very different to what he had been used to, and he found the transition very challenging.

After Frankie sadly died in 2023, his family provided important feedback to the Murray Falconer team, which spurred the ward refurbishment. His father Gavin told the team how difficult Frankie found the experience of being nursed within an adult ward, specifically when he was in the same bay as confused, agitated patients with extremely complex needs.

Thanks to various fundraising efforts, including a sponsored ice climb by Consultant Neurosurgeon Mr Bassel Zebian, a sponsored skydive by former patient Gary Young, and monetary contributions from Friends of King’s and Howden Insurance, the £50,000 needed for the works was raised. King’s College Hospital Charity supported the project.

Sarah Dheansa, Head of Nursing for Neurosurgery, who was instrumental in taking the project forward, said: “We’re delighted with the changes to the ward, which we believe will greatly enhance the experience of young people receiving neurosurgical care here at King’s.

“I’m grateful to Frankie’s family for giving their feedback at such a difficult time, and this will undoubtedly benefit other young patients.

“Fundraising has been a big team effort and I’d like to thank all those who have helped make this positive change happen.”