Calming Art for Critical Care
TRANSFORMING The ICU & HDU UNITs at medway maritime hospital
Within the walls of Medway Maritime Hospital, critical care encompasses both intensive care (ICU) and high dependency (HDU) units. Our mission was to redefine these units with a focus on calm and reassurance. In these vital spaces, where ICU and HDU units intersect, we're committed to creating environments that soothe visiting families and support the dedicated staff.
POST COVID REFURBISHMENT
Medway Hospital bore the weight of the second wave of the Covid pandemic, and since that challenging period there has been a strong desire to enhance the atmosphere in these units. Our transformation isn't just about improving the patient experience; it's also a tribute to the resilient staff who deserve a fresh start after facing the pandemic's challenges.
TURNING A PLACE OF STRESS INTO A COMFORTING ENVIRONMENT
Our art features branches of iconic UK trees, offering a familiar yet refreshing atmosphere. These artworks, and the colours used, are thoughtfully designed to be both calming and uplifting, offering viewers a brief respite, evoking the sensation of being outdoors, even within the confines of a stressful hospital environment. We also created two distinct signage solutions designed to enhance wayfinding. These include door and wall signs, as well as standout signs.
A LINK TO MEDWAY’S ‘GIFT OF LIFE’
Additionally, the inclusion of imagery depicting birds from the Medway estuary serves to establish a connection with the organ donation artwork in the hospital's atrium, uniting various aspects of the hospital's healing mission.
ARTWORK DETAILS
We carefully selected a colour palette to refresh the walls and harmonise with our artworks and the surroundings. In the main corridors there are tranquil willow branches that create the illusion of overhanging a peaceful river.
As for the visitor rooms, they showcase eye-catching cherry blossom or hawthorn branches, inviting a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
OUR GRATITUDE TO…
We extend our gratitude to the incredible Medway Critical Care Team. In particular to Anita Bowman for coordinating this project with an eye for all the detailing, and to the organ and tissue donation committee for funding the project and making this transformation possible.
