Thanks to donations to Bristol & Weston Hospitals Charity, we've been able to enhance the Bristol Heart Institute (BHI), tailoring it to the needs of young people and those with neurodiversity.

In outpatients, the funding has provided calming wall murals and a special tribute to a former patient, G, who sadly passed away last year. The new and improved space will help young patients as they transition from children's services to the adult setting at the BHI. It also supports patients who present with learning disability or who are neurodiverse.

Upstairs, a new room has been created so young patients can take time away from the ward environment. Patients often have lifelong heart conditions and are transitioning from Bristol Royal Hospital for Children to the Bristol Heart Institute and were in a need of a space to call their own. It was used by William in the first week.

“Being in hospital with a congenital heart defect at the age of 17 was very daunting and lonely. Not something I have had to experience before (apart from as a baby but I can't remember that), I really appreciated the PlayStation room it took my mind away from my worries and helped me pass the time. It eased my anxiety about being in hospital when my parents weren't around. Hopefully many more young patients will benefit from the room!" - William”

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The NHS TEAM BEHIND THE PROJECT

Xander Patel-Cook, Senior Congenital Heart Disease Health Youth Worker, who is an external partner for charity Youth at Heart, told us more about the new spaces...

"Phew, we are at the finish line! I started this project nearly two years ago when considering transition and transfer - when young people start the process of preparing for moving to adult services (transition) and then the actual move to adult services (transfer).

"In paediatrics the environment is well-suited to children and some young people, but when they move to the adult hospital it is a very sudden and drastic change to a “hospital” looking environment. White walls and limited things to look at on the walls while waiting for a clinic appointment.

Initial feedback obtained from some patients with neurodiversity about the original outpatient area was that walking through a busy waiting room increased their anxiety and they sought a space where they felt more protected, safe, and relaxed.

"We felt the area identified, would provide a clear walkthrough that avoided too many crowds and that the back wall may also help patients to feel more protected.

"In regards to all the young people that we see in clinic, a common theme seemed to emerge – the theme that the majority felt alone in regards to their heart condition and their desire to connect with other young adults who are facing similar challenges to themselves. It's hoped that by providing a shared space for young adults to convene may facilitate connection, communication, and a shared exploration of what it feels like to navigate life alongside a heart condition.  

"For the design, the young people consulted felt that having seasonal variations in the windows was in-keeping with the space and may offer a sense of calm (there is a strong evidence base regarding the mental health benefits of connection with nature), they were also keen to have some animals in the scene, as they thought searching for the animals and/or counting the animals may serve as a useful distraction in the waiting area (often patients find connection with animals to be soothing). 

"‘G’s Corner’ is also present within the design.  It is a tribute to G, a young man I worked with for several years.  He sadly died in 2023. RIP G. He would often sit in this area of outpatients as it was a bit quieter from the rest of the waiting area. He inspired me to locate the young people area in this section of the outpatients department.

"We are greatly appreciative to Bristol & Weston Hospitals Charity for this funding - and to everyone who generously donates to the charity."

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With your ongoing support, we can continue to create healing environments that improve the patients experience at our hospitals.

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