Patients and parents give Ocean's new look the thumbs up

Staff from Evelina London and Essentia at the opening of the new look Ocean

The Ocean outpatients department at Evelina London Children’s Hospital has received a big thumbs up from parents and children after being given a new look.

The new look includes brand new self check-in machines, reception desk and large TV screens, all of which have been funded by the Guy’s and St Thomas’ charity and developed by Essentia IT.

The new self check-in machines are the children’s favourite because they love pressing all the buttons. And the TV screens are also a hit because they enable parents to sit anywhere within the department without fear of missing their child’s appointment.

Amanda Millet, assistant general manager says:  “We are so proud of the hard work that’s gone into developing the new look Ocean - it was a real team effort and has been a great success.

“Since its launch at the end of March 2015, 74% of families are choosing to self check-in rather than visiting reception, which is reducing queues and offering a fun, interactive experience on arrival.”

The improvements to Ocean also include a new area called starfish which incorporates pharmacy, phlebotomy (blood clinics) and a new reception desk. A volunteer hub has also been created by the main entrance, with newly recruited volunteers on hand to help parents and patients self check-in.

Funding for the work in Ocean outpatients was awarded by Guy’s and St Thomas’ Charity through the Evelina London Children’s Fund. The fund is maintained thanks to generous donations and supports improvements to children’s care across Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust.

If you would like to fundraise to help us to keep developing Evelina London Children’s Hospital please text ‘ Evelina’ to 70800  to donate £5.

We are always looking for ways to improve patient experience and we welcome feedback on the changes to Ocean.