When the PICU underwent refurbishment, one important element was still missing – artwork that could help create a more welcoming, child-friendly environment for the babies, children and families spending time there.
While the refurbished unit felt brighter and more modern, feedback from patients, siblings, parents, carers, visitors and staff highlighted that the clinical surroundings could still feel overwhelming during what is often a very difficult time.
That’s when the artwork project was born – all funded by Friends of PICU!
In collaboration with the charity and designed by Headfudge , the Children’s Hospital’s approved designer, the artwork has been created specifically for the newly refurbished PICU cubicles and unit, helping to transform clinical spaces into places that offer comfort, distraction, imagination and moments of calm.
After much work on design ideas, and thanks to the determination of the PICU team and the funding support of Friends of PICU, it has now become a reality.
Dr Kim Sykes, PICU Consultant project lead, shared with us “I’m amazed at what a change the artwork has made to PICU. A really fresh new look that should appeal to all ages. I’m very grateful to the designer, Heather, for her vision and patience in bringing the brief to life and to the Charity for making the installation possible. I’m excited to hear how families react and I hope we can consider extending this to other areas of our footprint.”
We are incredibly proud to fund this project and help create an environment that better supports:
Patients and their siblings Parents, carers and families The dedicated staff who care for children every dayA hospital stay can be frightening for a child. Small touches can make a big difference, and we hope this artwork will bring smiles, spark imaginations and make PICU feel a little less clinical and a little more child-friendly.
Thank you to everyone involved in bringing this vision to life. 
