Blackpool Victoria Hospital- Nurses' Station

This project was completed in September 2010.

The new Children’s Clinic at Blackpool Victoria Hospital is due to open in 2010. The new design will create a friendly environment for children visiting the hospital. Making a hospital visit a pleasurable experience helps children to be relaxed and receptive. For children who need repeated care over months or years, it can make a significant difference to the success of treatment.

When children arrive at the clinic, their first experience is to book in at the nurses’ station. The normal NHS desks are designed for adults and, to a small child or a child in a wheelchair, all they can see is a blank beige wall while adults discuss them over their heads. The new nurses’ station features a very low counter to allow children to talk to staff directly. This helps small children feel involved and more likely to co-operate with medical staff. Children respond much better when they are included in the conversation.

We want to provide a nurses’ station that welcomes children to the unit. To make the experience more exciting and pleasurable, there will be a pirate theme throughout the unit. The new nurses’ station will be in the shape of a galleon to add to the child-friendly environment.

Beneficiaries: Children visiting Blackpool Victoria Hospital
Total: £7,840