PM praises Milly's design for Arrowe Park Hospital of the future

Milly McDermott, from St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in Upton, won the Your NHS art competition in Wirral with her design for the renovation of Arrowe Park Hospital.

The competition, supported by the Department of Health and Social Care and Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, invited local primary school children in the area to get creative to mark £18 million of government investment for the renovation of Arrowe Park Hospital.

Milly’s winning picture was among more than 420 entries submitted from schools across Wirral.

It was chosen by a panel of expert local judges including Janelle Holmes, chief executive at Wirral University Teaching Hospital and the trust's chief operating officer Anthony Middleton.

Milly, aged nine, attended a ceremony at 10 Downing Street with The Prime Minister, along with nine fellow winners from across the country.

The winning entry in Wirral will take pride of place in Arrowe Park Hospital.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: "I was delighted to welcome the young winners of the 'Your NHS' art competition to Downing Street.

"Their creative designs and visions for our health service were spectacular."

Milly said: "I can't believe I've won the Our NHS art competition.

"I really love drawing, and it was so much fun imagining what my local hospital could look like in the future."

Claire Marrin, headteacher at St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School said: "The competition was a great opportunity to get our children thinking about the NHS and we are thrilled that Milly’s caring and thoughtful nature has come through in her design!

"We can’t wait to see some of her ideas come to fruition in the future!"

Janelle Holmes, Chief Executive at WUTHT, said: "The NHS means so much to the community in Wirral and this was a great way of inspiring the next generation who will ultimately help drive the NHS forward.

"With energy and ideas like Milly’s, we will be in good hands."