As I entered the building, I could hear a piano playing in the background. Natural light flooded the open spaces and corridors. Large paintings were displayed on the wall and modern sculptures were located in the building’s atriums. This may sound like I was visiting an art museum, but no, this was Chelsea and Westminster Hospital in London.
In May 2024, the Health Services Safety Investigations Body (HSSIB) published a report into ‘Keeping children and young people with mental health needs safe: the design of the paediatric ward’. The investigation specifically focused on the risk factors associated with the design of paediatric wards in acute hospitals caring for children and young people who may present with both physical and/or mental health difficulties. Our report highlighted the importance of the design of paediatric wards to be able to effectively meet the varied and often complex emotional, social and physical needs of the children and young people they serve.
In our report, we talk about Best For You, an innovative NHS mental health programme dedicated to supporting young people and their families in north west London. One year on from publishing our report, we were invited to attend an event to mark the achievements and impact of the first three years of Best For You and to see their newly opened paediatric ward.
Just like the rest of the hospital, the paediatric ward is thoughtfully designed to offer young people a welcoming and supportive environment for mental health and wellbeing. Upon entering I was immediately struck by how calm and quiet it seemed, despite reportedly being “a busy day”. Murals that had been collaboratively designed with young people decorated the walls, using calming neutral tones and pops of colour in earthy orange, green and blue. There were break out spaces and a common room where children could seek a “change of scenery” or alternative space to spend time whilst admitted to the paediatric ward.
Alternative spaces, designed for enhancing wellbeing are also located in the hospital, which children and young people can arrange to visit. These include an indoor garden, a cinema and a studio where patients can participate in classes such as yoga, singing, dance and art therapy.
During the Best For You event, we heard from a young person with lived experience about the impact the programme is having. They discussed how the design of the spaces made them feel relaxed, and the difference it will make to patients and families, helping young people in hospital to feel less isolated and more comfortable. They advocated that Best For You needs to expand to every hospital.
Senior leaders from the Best For You programme highlighted that they are building the evidence base to show that their approach helps children and young people to recover. Their work is being independently evaluated and the programme aims to become a blueprint for the NHS.
I came away from the event feeling positive and inspired. The visit showed me what is possible and that spaces can be created that meet both clinical and mental health needs. Could this be the future across the NHS? Our investigation report offers insights into creating a more therapeutic environment and I would encourage all paediatric wards to consider how their ward environment could be improved to better support children and young people with mental health needs.
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