Snow Fox, Evelina 1+

Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Trust

Find the foxes!

In Snow Fox ward patients need a stimulating, enlivening environment – one that distracts from anxieties during repeated day visits and diagnostic checks. We integrated illustrations by Andy Goodman into bedheads, illuminated ceiling tiles, and corridor walls, providing a smorgasbord of reassurance and distraction for patients of all ages.

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Large-scale cut artwork extends the full length of the ward, using infection control-approved wall cladding as a material, from which we've cut 'marquetry' animal shapes and abstract forms, which integrate playfully into the environment at low cost.

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Unique bedhead illustrations from Andy Goodman carry a visual & verbal puns, providing the much needed humour and variety to brighten up short stay, frequent return visits. “Some children choose to explore the department to go and see all the bedheads during their visit. There’s something for everyone… no matter your age” – Debbie Komaromy, Head of Nursing, Evelina London. Alongside, wipeable name boards help to personalise spaces and give a temporary sense of home. 

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Overhead illustrated ceiling tiles carry maze-like puzzles, offering a new experience for every visit, or an ice-breaker for new conversations between staff and patients.

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Our artwork helps to instil a culture of friendliness and familiarity – doctors and patients get to know each other as there are lots of return short visits, and the artwork becomes a focal point for those interactions - helping to foster a culture in which families and staff can relax, play and chat in moments of downtime.

Praise for Evelina 1+

“The team at Art in Site ensured that they understood the experiences of children and their parents going through cardiac surgery and have managed to integrate the art and environment into the very essence of the ward and as such supporting and enhancing the clinical pathway.” 

- Aaron Bell, Consultant Paediatric Cardiologist, Evelina London

Praise for Evelina 1+

“People have said how bright and beautiful it is. Children go around the walls following the images and tracing them. They have used the Evelina colours everywhere which is great. Parents who have come to us before so know what it was like previously say it’s amazing and was worth the wait”

- Matron, Allergy Services

Praise for Evelina 1+

“The work is bespoke, and the themes are really appropriate. The environment makes so much difference to how you feel… it’s so special.”

- Specialist Consultant, Cardiologist

Praise for Evelina 1+

“I feel very special to have been part of the journey. The nurses, they also remember that they were involved… it means we’re able to promote it and talk about it as a particularly special project…. I am proud of it, what we achieved as a team, learning about it and doing it for the first time has been a special experience.”

- Head of Nursing, Outpatients and Neonatology

This case study is part of the wider “Evelina 1+” project – featuring seven departments incorporating art, interior design, playful journeys, storytelling, & digital interactions. See Projects for all Evelina 1+ case studies.

The 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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Date 2021

Sector Healthcare

Services Children's diagnostics and outpatient treatments

Commissioned Guy's & St Thomas' NHS Trust

Artist Art in Site, Andy Goodman

User Group Children & Families

Awards European Healthcare Design 2021; Highly Commended, Interior Design & Arts

Building Better Healthcare Awards 2021; Winner, Best Interior Design Project – refurbishment; In collaboration with Sonnemann Toon