Renal, Evelina 1+

Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Trust

P-P-P-P-penguins!

In Renal department, images of penguins, illustrated by Paul Thurlby, line the walls, bringing humour as they waddle, wade, dive, and play around the department.

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From a distance, a school of penguins cluster together against angular blue & white backgrounds, implying ice sheets and seas which span the shared spaces, and inviting exploration around the department during waiting times. 

Look closer and you'll see a whole colony of characters – young ones, skateboarding-teens, doctor-penguins, fishing enthusiasts – a diversity that reflects the demography of the service community. 

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Our approach creates an impact using modest resources: we've combined large, bold colour fields in contrast with smaller artworks, bringing rich enticing imagery & narratives to life using minimal manufacturing. 

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

Children's Healthcare Children's Hemodialysis, Outpatient

Commissioned Guy's & St Thomas' NHS Trust

Artist Art in Site, Paul Thurlby

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