A recent accession to LHSA (Acc11/011) includes two black and white photographs of Tom Baker visiting the Royal Edinburgh Hospital for Sick Children (REHSC), more commonly know as the Sick Kids Hospital. He is pictured sharing some light-hearted moments with the nurses. The Hospital, which was originally opened in 1860 to meet a profound need to improve the health and well-being of children in Edinburgh, has been located on Sciennes Road adjacent to the Meadows since 1895. LHSA holds over 30 metres of records from the Hospital dating from 1859-1992.
The Liverpudlian actor, Tom Baker (born 1934) is probably best known for his starring role as the fourth Doctor in the original run of the BBC’s famous sci-fi series, ‘Doctor Who’ from 1974-1981. Tom Baker took on the role with great enthusiasm and made many appearances at public events in character. He was a hero to millions of young viewers and doubtless his presence on the wards of the Sick Kids Hospital would have made some of the patients’ day. From his costume in the photographs, the images date from around 1977. If you are able to tell us any more about Tom’s visit, please contact us.
For more information about the REHSC collection, please see our catalogue.
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