Blood Quest

1 Nov 2016, 3:58 p.m.

Photo of a patient using the Blood Quest iPad App, November 2016

GOSH Arts and ORCHID (Centre for Outcomes and Experience Research in Children’s Health, Illness and Disability) have worked with patients, artists and health creatives to develop Blood Quest, an app that helps inform, entertain and distract children before and during their blood tests.

In the app you can find out more about your blood — play the Blood Quest game and take part in a quiz about animals and their hearts.

Research has shown distraction and preparation can reduce children’s anxiety before and during procedures such as venepuncture. The app was developed from creative workshops and feedback with GOSH patients, and features art work by illustrator Sister Arrow, which is designed to appeal to a broad age range.

Blood Quest can be downloaded from the Apple app store and on Trust ipads from the GOSH app store.

As part of this project ORCHID is gathering feedback on the app. If you would like to get involved in this evaluation please contact us at gosharts@gosh.nhs.uk

Update for patients and families on industrial action

Some of our resident doctors at Great Ormond Street Hospital will be taking part in planned industrial action from 7am on Friday 14 November to 7am on Wednesday 19 November.

Engineered tissue offers hope for children born with ‘missing’ food pipe

Scientists from Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) and University College London (UCL) have created the first lab‑grown oesophagus - the food pipe - shown to safely replace a full section of the organ and restore normal function, including swallowing, in

GOSH celebrates Rare Disease Day 2026 with local community

GOSH specialises in rare disease research and to celebrate, we recently invited two local North London Year 4 classes to join us for the day to learn about how we care for patients with rare diseases.

Professor Francesco Muntoni wins prestigious research prize

Professor Francesco Muntoni, GOSH Paediatric Neurology Consultant, has been awarded the 2026 Novo Nordisk Prize in recognition of his pioneering work transforming the outlook for children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).