Skip over navigation

A A A

Kids get to design their own A&E

08-May-2007

Children from local schools have been invited to create art work for the new paediatric A&E department at Northwick Park Hospital.

We have two schemes running in which children have been invited to submit artwork to be displayed in the new unit.

One of the schemes involves children from Park Lane Primary, Kingsbury High, Nower Hill and Uxendon Manor schools, who will be attending a workshop with well known artists next week (Tuesday 8 May 2007). 

At the workshop, children will be invited to get involved in developing artwork and to give their thoughts and ideas on colour schemes for the unit as well as influence designs which could later be commissioned from the artists.

In the second scheme, schoolchildren of Harrow are being asked to submit their own works of art. In conjunction with members of the paediatric team, we will be able to display their artwork to ensure that it reflects the lives of the children who use our services. Bringing both schemes together, the Trust aims to provide a facility that the children have helped to design.

Building work started on the £500,000 children’s A&E in February 2007. The new unit will create a child friendly environment including a new waiting area, three triage rooms, a treatment rooms, and four bays. There will also be a seven bedded observation area for children who do not need to be admitted to a ward but need to be monitored for longer.

Talking about the new unit, Melanie Zurbrugg, head of children’s nursing said: “23,000 children are seen in accident and emergency department every year at Northwick Park. In the past, they would have to wait in the general waiting area and most children would be treated alongside adults.

“Whilst staff have always made every effort to make the place as child-friendly as possible  - this new unit will make a huge difference to the experience of children and their families. 

“I am also really looking forward to seeing the children’s artwork and excited to hear what ideas they come up with at the workshop. Having their involvement will help us improve the look of the unit.”

ENDS.