Her Majesty The Queen opens charity funded Neuro Intensive Care Unit at St George’s Hospital
02 June 2026
The pioneering garden has been created through a partnership between the St George’s Hospital Charity and the John King Brain Tumour Foundation, transforming a previously unused space into an accessible rooftop garden, directly connected to the Neuro Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
During her visit The Queen met with patients, NHS staff and charity supporters who helped bring the project to life.
The Queen was introduced to one of St George’s own brain surgery nurses, who is currently being treated in the ward she usually works in after suffering a brain haemorrhage two weeks ago.
Catherine Oppong-Barbo, who has worked as a neurosurgery nurse at St George’s Hospital since 2017, said, “The balcony is a connection to the outside world after being beside lots of machines in intensive care, it makes it feel like I can breathe freely again.
“Now I’m using the balcony as a patient, I can put myself in their shoes and truly feel how big of an impact this is going to make”, said Catherine, the 48-year-old living in south west London.
Catherine told The Queen, “The balcony is a haven for patients and their families - it’s a space to connect while recovering.”
The space aims to improve patient wellbeing, backed up by research which suggests that nature-based rehabilitation may help improve the impact of brain injury by improving motivation, regulating mood and improving sensory-motor and cognitive functions.
Daisy Papel said: “The balcony is important not only for our patients, but their families as well, to be able to see them outside of the ward and support them, which drastically helps to improve patient wellbeing.
Daisy shared how the purpose-built green space offers patients with complex brain injury, tumours or stroke – and their families – access to fresh air, natural light and the outside world while remaining safely within the hospital's expert clinical care.
For many critically ill patients, this was previously out of reach.
Daisy Papel said: “The balcony is really important not only for our patients, but their families as well, to be able to see them outside of the ward and support them, which drastically helps to improve patient wellbeing.
“Coming outside from the intensive care unit, you cannot really express the happiness patients experience.
“The garden is an escape for them, and a space for them to enjoy crucial time with their families – the difference is breathtaking.”
The Queen joined guests in the balcony garden including Laura King, founder of the John King Brain Tumour Foundation, who told attendees about the importance of the garden following her husband’s passing in November 2016 after being treated at St George’s. The project serves as a lasting tribute to John King, an internationally respected chef who was cared for at St George’s Hospital after being diagnosed with a glioblastoma brain tumour in 2015.
Laura said:
“This year marks ten years since my husband John died. After being diagnosed with a glioblastoma brain tumour in 2015, he was treated by the incredible team at St George's Hospital.
“Creating these balcony gardens has been a true passion project. Ten years on, it feels like a deeply poignant way to honour John’s memory and create something lasting for many other families in the future.”
David Meek, Chair of St George's Hospital Charity, said:
"Patients and families deserve not only outstanding clinical care, but environments that support wellbeing, dignity and recovery during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
"At St George’s Hospital Charity our mission is to create the best possible experience for our patients and staff, and the transformation of the Neuro Intensive Care Unit balcony is a powerful example of our impact in action. Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of our donors and supporters, and of the John King Brain Tumour Foundation, hundreds of patients and families will benefit each year from the respite the balcony offers.
"We are deeply grateful to Her Majesty The Queen for joining us to mark this special occasion, and to everyone whose dedication, fundraising and support helped bring this vision to life."
