SNF is supporting the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity in the pivotal second stage of their Theatre Improvement Project in operating theaters at the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow. This initiative is dedicated to creating a nurturing, child-centered environment in one of Scotland’s leading pediatric hospitals, transforming its operating department to enhance care experiences for children and their families.
The project aligns closely with the global health priorities of SNF and the Global Health Initiative (GHI) by addressing young patients’ mental health and well-being through compassionate health care design. Studies show that hospital environments have a substantial impact on children’s stress levels, with traditional clinical settings often intensifying fear and anxiety. By mitigating these negative impacts, this project aligns with SNF’s commitment to advancing mental wellness through thoughtful health care design.
Following the successful completion of Phase 1, which transformed reception and waiting areas, Phase 2 focuses on redesigning 11 anesthetic rooms to create calming, interactive spaces tailored to relieve anxiety for children undergoing various specialized surgeries, including cardiac and neurological procedures. The designs were developed through an 18-month research process that included extensive input from children, families, healthcare professionals, architects, infection control experts, and design specialists, ensuring that every element balances aesthetics, functionality, and safety. These insights were further refined through prototyping and virtual reality simulations. In addition, the project team visited renowned pediatric facilities worldwide, reflecting their dedication to adopting best practices in hospital design and patient care. This rigorous approach ensures that the new spaces will exceed the psychological needs of young patients, positively shaping their perceptions of health care.
For children, the impact of these redesigned spaces is profound. Entering a clinical environment can be overwhelming, particularly the operating theater. The new anesthetic rooms incorporate imaginative themes and soothing elements, creating a sense of safety and comfort that helps alleviate pre-surgery anxiety and fosters positive coping skills. This supportive environment encourages children to trust and cooperate with caregivers, leading to smoother medical interactions, better health outcomes, and a foundation for resilience and mental well-being in future health care experiences.
The transformation also benefits parents and hospital staff. For parents, these redesigned spaces offer a more comforting environment, reducing the emotional toll of their child’s hospital experience and allowing them to focus more fully on supporting their child. Staff benefit from a welcoming, efficient workspace that enhances job satisfaction and supports positive patient and family interactions.
By supporting the Theatre Improvement Project at the Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow, SNF is helping establish a model of compassionate healthcare that prioritizes mental well-being and empathetic design. Beyond the immediate improvements at the Royal Hospital for Children, the project aims to influence other health care providers in the UK and globally, encouraging the adoption of child-centered and mentally supportive design principles across medical environments to provide an inclusive, holistic health care experience for children, their families, and staff.