Evelina hospital commended at health design awards

A children’s hospital been praised at this year’s European Healthcare Design Awards (EDH).

Evelina London Children’s Hospital has been awarded a High Commendation at the gongs, and recognised as a model of excellence in children’s healthcare environment design.

EDH is the top award for design and construction. The prize was for the refurbishment of nine wards and clinics, including the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit and cardiology, and work to expand Evelina London.

Thanks to funds from Guy’s and St Thomas’ Charity, the Evelina 1+ Art Scheme designed by Art in Site incorporated the ideas of children, young people, and staff.

Part of the art project included designing special rails mounted to the ceiling above beds, and magnetic wallpaper to allow patients to attach items from home.

Patients said this helped their recovery following heart surgery as they felt they were in a familiar environment.

An LED light display that follows sunrise and sunset by imitating the course of the day has been designed by cardiology consultants, to help with children and young people while they are staying in hospital.

The instillation also helps with their recovery as it encourages patients out of bed to interact with it.

Liz O’Sullivan, arts manager at Evelina London, said: “Looking after the wellbeing of children, young people and their families goes far beyond medical care at Evelina London.

The environment we create through digital installations, murals, and graphics in our wards and clinics plays an essential role in supporting our families during their visits or stays with us.

Our artwork does much more than create a cheery or calming environment. It can bring a sense of comfort, provide entertainment and help with recovery.

“It is an integral part of the design process for new facilities at Evelina London, and we are currently working with children, young people and staff to create artwork for our new day surgery building.”

The brand new, state-of-the-art centre to provide surgery for more children and young people who don’t need to stay overnight is due to open in 2022 and is being built right next to the existing hospital building.

The centre is part of exciting and ambitious plans to further grow Evelina London towards the world-leading centre of life-changing care for even more children, young people and their families that it aspires to be.