A new look for the Clarendon

A fresh look for patients arriving at Leeds Children’s Hospital

Thanks to Leeds Hospitals Charity and an incredibly generous in-kind donation from construction company Balfour Beatty, the main entrance to Leeds Children’s Hospital in Clarendon Wing Reception has had a make-over!

The new space is more open, bright and colourful with a playful jungle theme to help patients and their families feel relaxed when they arrive. For the 250,000 children and young people who use this entrance every year, this donation of time, materials, expertise and resources will make a huge difference, completely transforming the arrival experience. Starlight Children’s Foundation have also funded amazing technological innovations, including a virtual fish tank built into the reception desk and an interactive wall offering augmented reality activities for children and young people. Work started in September and was completed in mid-October. There will be an official opening event in early November but the refreshed space has gone straight into operation and we’ve already had some great feedback from staff and patients. Suzanne Abrahams, General Manager at Leeds Children’s Hospital said: ‘We’re very grateful to Balfour Beatty, Leeds Hospitals Charity and all project partners including local painting company Bagnalls for making this project a reality. We know the difference that an appropriate welcome can make for children and young people. Compared to our wards and clinical areas the reception area was much less welcoming and child-friendly but now it’s one of the most inviting spaces in the Children’s Hospital. The additional technology, with thanks to Starlight Children’s Foundation, is an incredible bonus that fits in so well with our ambition offer meaningful play opportunities to all patients whilst they receive care in hospital.’ The project has been carefully planned involving all services that use Clarendon Reception, being mindful that adult services use this space as well as Children’s. The new space will be equally welcoming for adults, children and young people. Many elements of the project will be reusable for use in other areas when we move to our new home in a few years’ time.