Leeds Children’s Hospital
The Project
The refurbishment of the entrance to the Clarendon Wing at Leeds General Infirmary has helped to transform the hospital experience for patients and their families arriving at Leeds Children’s Hospital.
The project was spearheaded by Leeds Hospitals Charity and led by their corporate partner, main contractor Balfour Beatty who put together a wide-ranging team of specialist subcontractors. These companies donated their products and services to realise an ambitious upgrade to the hospital entrance.
The Interior Design Solution
Designed by HKS Architects, the new facility has a striking rainforest theme complete with feature lighting, brightly coloured flooring, bespoke joinery from Deanestor, and innovative technology to distract and engage children and their families. There are touch-free motion sensor games, a virtual fish tank and a floor projector to create an immersive experience.
Bespoke Joinery Services Donated by Deanestor
Deanestor supplied and installed a new main reception counter for the refurbishment project, to help create a modern and welcoming first impression on arrival at the hospital and a focal point for the entrance.
The desk has a sweeping curved design and a wood grain finish for a warm, natural appearance with contrasting white solid surface counter tops. It accommodates two workstations with storage space and a large media panel for the virtual fish tank.
Deanestor also provided the enclosures to house the wall-mounted media technology. These units have a clear front panel and wood-finish surround to protect the multi-media screens from damage.
The Customer Perspective
Tom Yates, Senior Commercial Manager, Balfour Beatty:
“Our teams have taken time out of their demanding schedules to volunteer their skills and expertise to support this fantastic cause which we know will significantly benefit children from across the region.”
“We are absolutely delighted with Deanestor’s contribution to the project which has been invaluable. Their design team has realised the architect’s vision and taken it from an initial concept to produce furniture solutions using bespoke joinery which fit perfectly into the new reception area. This has really enhanced the space and gives it the warm and natural feel we were looking for.”
“Deanestor has worked with Balfour Beatty since 2004, providing furniture and fitout services on many major hospital construction schemes, including Salford Royal Hospital and Christie Hospital in Manchester. They bring their specialist expertise in healthcare to every project, with the capabilities to meet our stringent programmes and the high quality furniture and fitout services we need for our NHS customers.”
Esther Wakeman, CEO, Leeds Hospitals Charity:
“We are so proud to lead such an exciting project which will make a real difference to the experience of some of the youngest and most vulnerable patients and their families in Leeds. None of this would be possible without the support of our donors and the generous help of all the wonderful organisations involved.”
Leeds Children’s Hospital is one of the UK’s largest specialist hospitals and offers a wide range of treatment services for children from birth to young adulthood. Around 250,000 children pass through the entrance to the Clarendon Wing each year.
Photography credits to HKS Architects / Balfour Beatty