WOMEN’S HEALTHCARE & GLOBAL HEALTH WORK

KATE SPENDS THE DAY LEARNING ABOUT WOMEN’S HEALTHCARE & GLOBAL HEALTH WORK

Kate took part in two healthcare-related engagements in London today (27th February 2018). The first took place at the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), a medical charity that champions the provision of high-quality women’s healthcare in the UK and beyond.

The charity is dedicated to encouraging the study and advancing the science and practice of obstetrics and gynaecology through a mixture graduate education and training, reports and the publication of clinical guidelines.

At the college, Kate learned about the organisation’s global health programmes to reduce maternal and newborn mortality rates worldwide.

She watched a demonstration of keyhole surgery and attended a roundtable discussion on tackling the stigma around women’s mental health.

Kate departing from the RCOG:

The second visit took place at St. Thomas’ Hospital

Here, Kate spent time visiting children on a nurse-led children’s ward.

She also joined a roundtable discussion with a range of different nurses across the spectrum of the profession.

At the end of her visit, Kate helped to officially launch Nursing Now, a new campaign designed to raise the profile and status of nursing and nurses worldwide.

The campaign aims to improve perceptions of nurses, enhance their influence and maximise their contributions to ensuring that everyone everywhere has access to health and healthcare.  – International Council of Nurses

Kate marked the launch with a speech.

"I would like to congratulate and thank all nurses everywhere on what you achieve on a daily basis. The difference you make should not go unrecognised – Duchess of Cambridge

Today’s visits were designed to give Kate a deeper understanding of topics related to women’s healthcare and global health work.  This is an area Kate is keen to champion.

Before today’s visit, Kensington Palace announced that Kate has become Patron of both the Nursing Now campaign and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists:

The Duchess has seen first-hand the impact of front-line medical professionals during visits to hospitals and hospices, and through her work in support of children’s mental health and early intervention.  The Duchess’ patronages at RCOG and Nursing Now provide an opportunity to shine a light on these vital professions, both in the UK and internationally – Kensington Palace

These two organisations are Kates 15th and 16th patronages. Richard Palmer (Royal Correspondent of the Daily Express) explains like William and Harry, Kate’s strategy is to focus on a small number of charities, intending to make a difference (in contrast to the older royals, who tend to lend their names to a wider group of patronages).

Kate is the second Patron of the RCOG in the organisation’s 89-year history.  The Duchess has followed in the footsteps of the Queen Mother.