Before 1852, few hospitals in the UK admitted children and none had specialist units. Yet disease was common and many children died young. Children’s hospitals were founded in response. At first, they were out-patient dispensaries. This meant children weren’t separated from their mothers and lowered the risk of infection. But it also meant a lack of expertise in childhood illness and disease. Attitudes towards children were harsh – many people felt that children should be “seen and not heard”. Thankfully, times have changed!