Evelina London Children’s Hospital has won a prize for the creative refurbishment of existing wards and the design of its new centre.
The Evelina 1+ Art scheme, which included the ideas of children, young people, and staff, was highly commended at the European Healthcare Design awards this year.
The art project, designed by community art team Art in Site, 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 because they felt like they were in a familiar environment.
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 new centre, which is right next to the existing building, will open in 2022. It will let Evelina surgeons operate on more children and young people.