Evelina Children’s Hospital

Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Trust

Guides for children

Evelina London Healthcare approached us in 2012 with a challenge: how can we make our new building easier for children and families to navigate? Art in Site worked with Japanese manga artist Kiriko Kubo to develop a series of illustrated characters – the “Evelina Gang” – who act as friendly guides around the main site of the hospital.

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The gang points the way, offering information and words of encouragement, using child-friendly language.

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Unlike purely word-based wayfinding schemes for adults, the gang integrate playfully with the environment, brining charm and humour to the patient journey.

The trust had named departments according to a geographical theme. In order to bring these names to life, Kiriko developed an extension to the gang: a cast of flora and fauna exemplifying each region, that greets children walking into a new department.

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A broad demographic range

The gang encompasses a broad demographic of children of varied ages, abilities, and ethnicities. This helps to reinforce the message that everyone is welcome at hospital.

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Sending out a message

Since 2013, the gang has been developed further for other departments across Evelina Children’s Hospital, and has become an iconic part of its culture and identity.

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This artwork has been supported by Guy’s and St Thomas’ Charity, which helps create a world-class environment for patients, staff and visitors at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust. Find out more at www.supportgstt.org.uk 

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Impact

The much beloved Evelina Gang... has become an iconic part of the hospital’s culture and identity.

- Kieron Boyle, CEO, Guy’s and St Thomas’ Charity

Date 2011

Sector Healthcare

Service Children's Hospital

Commissioned by Guy's & St Thomas' NHS Trust

Artist Art in Site, Kiriko Kubo

Users Children & Families