Royalty visits the Medical School of Hannover (MHH): On Friday, January 18, 2013, their Royal Highnesses, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie of York, graced the Paediatric Department of the MHH with their presence. The granddaughters of Queen Elizabeth II and daughters of Prince Andrew accepted an invitation from David McAllister, the Prime Minister of Lower Saxony, to visit the state.
“We are very honoured that the Princesses have come to tour our hospital“, said Professor Dr. Christian Kratz, head of the Department of Paediatric Haematology-Oncology. In the United Kingdom, the Princesses advocate for adolescents and young adults with cancer. Professor Dr. Dirk Reinhardt, head of several national and international clinical studies for leukaemia, has initiated a project at the MHH to improve the care of these young patients. On Wednesday, he and his team received the prestigious Lower Saxony Cancer Award for their commitment. Because of similar activities and interests, the Princesses honoured the Department of Paediatric Haematology-Oncology with their visit.
Professor Dr. Kratz, accompanied by the MHH Forschungsdekan (Dean of Research),
Professor Dr. Christopher Baum, guided the guests through the oncology clinic and patients and their families shared their experiences with the Princesses. “We offer children and young adults battling leukaemia and other malignancies or benign blood disorders the most advanced treatment,” Professor Dr. Kratz explained. The department is one of the most renowned Paediatric Haematology-Oncology Departments in Germany. Last year, a dedicated team of physicians and other medical professionals cared for over 100 patients. Additionally, 33 blood stem cell transplantations were performed.