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Today Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham (QEHB) is proudly marking its 15th anniversary, celebrating a decade and a half of delivering world-class healthcare, pioneering research, and unwavering commitment to patients and the community.

Since opening its doors on June 16 in 2010, QEHB has treated an estimated 15 million patients and has welcomed 29 million visitors, to become a beacon of excellence in the NHS.

The hospital was the first new acute hospital built in Birmingham in 70 years, with a £545 million investment that created one of the most advanced healthcare facilities in Europe.

To commemorate this milestone, QEHB has honoured the extraordinary contributions of its staff, volunteers, and partners.

Today's celebration included a ‘Birthday Honours’ ceremony, recognising individuals and teams who exemplify the hospital’s values, from volunteer pianists and volunteers who run the oncology and radiotherapy tea bar, to clinical teams and long-standing governors.

Reflecting on the journey, Matt Metcalfe, Hospital Executive Director for QEHB, said: “QEHB was built to deliver 21st-century care, and over the past 15 years, it has done just that.

“From responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, where we cared for well over 50,000 patients, to leading in research and innovation, recruiting over 80,000 patients to clinical trials, our staff have shown extraordinary dedication.

“This anniversary is a celebration of their resilience, compassion, and commitment to our patients. We couldn’t mark our 10th anniversary due to the pandemic, so today is about recognising the people who make QEHB special every single day.”

Among those with a unique connection to the hospital is Ann Bagnall, who was the very first patient transferred into the new building in 2010 after suffering a stroke.

She recalled: “I remember it very well. It was such a momentous occasion. I was in an old building in Selly Oak and then transferred to the new hospital, it was just like a hotel, with my own room and an amazing view. Being the first patient was exciting and nerve-wracking, especially being on TV! But it’s something I’ll never forget.”

QEHB has become a hub for cutting-edge research, delivering over 1,850 clinical trials, including the UK’s first patient to receive a personalised mRNA colorectal cancer vaccine.

QEHB is also one of only two centres in the UK to perform all four solid organ transplants: heart, lung, liver, and kidney and now completing over 400 transplants annually.

The hospital’s unique oval design was chosen to optimise movement and efficiency, and its 100-bed single-floor critical care unit, the largest in the world at the time, proved vital during the pandemic.

Jonathan Brotherton, UHB Chief Executive, said: “QEHB’s strength lies in its people: over 8,000 staff at the hospital and 26,000 across the Trust, supported by strong partnerships with the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine and the University of Birmingham. These collaborations have driven advances in trauma care, medical education, and research.”

As the hospital looks to the future, Matt Metcalfe acknowledged the challenges ahead. He said:“We’ve faced difficult times, including issues around staff wellbeing and culture.

"But we’re committed to change, bringing leadership closer to our communities, listening to our staff, and creating a culture of kindness, safety, and support.

“We’re determined to make QEHB not just a place of outstanding care, but also the best place to work.

"Today’s celebration is not just about the past 15 years, it’s a reaffirmation of QEHB’s mission to serve with excellence, compassion, and innovation for generations to come.”

Volunteer pianists Jake, Yashpal and Philma who put a lot of time into playing music that puts our patients at ease.

Sandra Haynes MBE, a long-standing governor who has long been a friend of the hospital, a champion of patient experience.

Oncology and radiotherapy tea bar volunteers, supporting outpatients with a sense of normality, a chat and a smile.

Royal Centre for Defence Medicine, who support us in proving the best possible care for patients.

QEHB Charity, who are often overlooked, but who put so much into going over and above for our patients and colleagues.