Hospital artwork wins European Healthcare Design award

Award-winning artwork in our wards

Evelina London has been awarded a High Commendation at this year’s European Healthcare Design Awards, and recognised as a model of excellence in children’s healthcare environment design.

The refurbishment of nine wards and clinics, including the paediatric intensive care unit (PICU), cardiology and work to expand Evelina London, were recognised as worthy of the prize.

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 for the ceilings above beds, and magnetic wallpaper to allow patients to display items from home. Children and young people 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 installation 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.”

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