Photograph of children on a ward

Description:Concerns for the health and welfare of children in the 19th century led to the establishment of children’s hospitals. Prior to the emergence of these specialist institutions children were generally treated at home by their families. A Children’s Hospital was established in Birmingham in 1862. Staff at the Children’s Hospital recognised the importance of sending recovering patients to convalescent homes in order to free more beds and treat more patients. The first convalescent home was also established in 1862 with the support of Caroline Martineau, a local Unitarian philanthropist. Children in Birmingham were also referred to other specialist hospital services such as the Royal Orthopaedic.