The Practice was appointed to design and assist in delivering the Emergency Department expansion and refurbishment at Birmingham Children’s Hospital. We worked closely with the Trust and the Contractor throughout the process to develop a phased approach to ensure the department could remain operational and provide a supportive environment for children and their families during vulnerable periods of life.
The recently completed new Waiting Area, Reception and Triage spaces are the start of a full departmental upgrade to provide a bright, welcoming, and more engaging environment, with the works to the majors, minors, observation, and staff support zones to follow as the phasing works continues throughout the department.
One of the biggest obstacles with this project has been working in a live environment to ensure the department can still maintain its 24/7 function. The expanded area was unlocked through the infill of the previous ambulance bay and completion of the new MRI unit adjacent to ensure the emergency department can fulfil the needs of the patients throughout.
Finishes and features has been imperative in optimising patient and staff flow around the building, using the seasons as wayfinding to help guide children through the department from Spring to Winter through finishes and décor rather than reliance on written signage, linking all finishes to natural elements to help ground the patients with familiarity during stressful times within the clinical environment.
