Billionaire philanthropist Mr. Hansjörg Wyss was given a warm welcome by staff and volunteers when he visited the Leeds Major Trauma Centre at Leeds General Infirmary on Friday, 7 March before being hosted by the Lord Mayor of Leeds, Cllr Abigail Marshall Katung, at the Civic Hall. His visit was celebrated by staff at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, marking his support for trauma patients regionally and nationally, a cause close to his heart through his pioneering work in medical technology and philanthropy.
A Swiss-born entrepreneur, Mr. Wyss built his fortune in the medical device industry. In 1977, he founded Synthes USA, a global leader in orthopaedic implants, developing internal screws and plates for bone fractures that have transformed trauma care worldwide. Many of these devices have been used to treat trauma patients in Leeds.
His contributions have enabled the establishment of Ward L8 (High Observation Unit) and the refurbishment of Ward L10 (Major Trauma Ward for West Yorkshire) at Leeds General Infirmary. Through his charitable foundation, The Wyss Medical Foundation, he has also played a pivotal role in helping Day One Trauma Support become an independent national charity after being established in Leeds. The charity has helped more than 2,000 major trauma patients in Leeds alone and now helps anyone impacted by catastrophic injuries across the UK through its national phoneline, website and partnership with seven NHS Trusts.
During his visit to Leeds, Mr. Wyss met patients and staff at Leeds Major Trauma Centre – one of the UK’s busiest major trauma centres, treating over 1,600 patients with multiple injuries annually. He spoke to Day One Trauma Support beneficiaries to witness the direct impact of his contributions and connect with volunteers who support patients on their recovery journeys.
Professor Peter Giannoudis, trauma surgeon at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and founder of charity Day One Trauma Support, praised Mr. Wyss’s contributions:
“Thanks to Mr. Wyss’s generosity, we’ve been able to change lives – not just in Leeds, but across thecountry. His vision and belief in trauma support have given thousands of patients and families hope in their toughest moments.”
Mr. Wyss’s commitment to Leeds represents his first and only philanthropic support outside of the US and Switzerland, a testament to the city’s reputation as a leader in trauma care, medical innovation, and patient recovery.