Youth spaces at the Bristol Heart Institute One in eight children are born with congenital heart disease and the majority of these patients will have lifelong follow up. At some point these children will need to transition to adult services at the Bristol Heart Institue. This can feel overwhelming, and for many 16–25-year-olds, it can lead to missed appointments due to anxiety. Children’s services are designed with young people in mind, but the adult hospital can feel like a sudden, drastic change to a more clinical, ‘scary’ looking environment. In partnership with the adult congenital heart disease team at Bristol Heart Institute, Xander Patel-Cook (senior congenital heart disease health youth worker from Youth at Heart ), and the learning disabilities team, together we've created dedicated youth spaces to help teenagers and young people with their transition from Bristol childrens' hospital to the BHI. THE NEW SPACES The team wanted to identify and create spaces within the Bristol Heart Institute that would cater for young people. With input from young patients at the BHI, these spaces have been tailored for their needs, including the consideration of those with learning disabilities or neurodiversity. Thanks to generous donors, we've been able to fund the refurbishment of three new spaces: Dedicated waiting area in BHI for young people transitioning from paediatric care An enhanced area within the current outpatients department at C503 Young people's room/sensory space for inpatients A SPACE FOR PATIENTS WITH ADDITIONAL NEEDS Patients with learning disabilities and neurodiversity, often present with high anxiety in clinical areas, this can place additional stress on their family or carer and can require additional support from nursing staff to avoid escalation of further distress to the patient. "Initial feedback from 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," said youth worker, Xander Patel-Cook. The provision of this teenage and young people’s space provides an alternative option, other than the clinical ward or busy waiting areas, where the patient may be able to settle a little more easily and feel safer in. a need to CONNECT IN C503 Often in clinic, patients offer and request, to connect with other YP with heart conditions. Not only can they sometimes feel isolated on wards where the average patients age is very much older that they are, but they felt alone in regards to their heart condition and had a desire to connect with other young adults who are facing similar challenges to themselves (e.g. moving towards independence, challenges of study, work and/or relationships, hobbies & interests). "It is hoped that by providing a shared space for young adults to convene, it may facilitate connection, communication, and a shared exploration of what it feels like to navigate life alongside a heart condition," said youth worker, Xander Patel-Cook THE IMPACT These new spaces offer a calmer, more welcoming environment, encourage peer connection and make treatment feel less daunting. Calm and welcoming spaces. The inclusion of nature and animals in the artwork help offer a sense of calm and things to look at when waiting for appointments. Quieter areas to help reduce anxiety. They also help avoid overstimulation, particularly for young patients with additional needs, and allow for appropriate intervention such as providing noise cancelling headphones, sensory equipment, and soothing bags. Time away from the clinical setting. Young inpatients now have a dedicated space where they can spend time in away from the clinical and hospital routines, spend time with their families, undertake some of their studying and watch TV, play video games, listen to music, etc. Connection with peers. These new spaces may provide the opportunity for young people to meet each other and offer peer support, conversations and connection with each other during their in-patient stay which can be a time of isolation, particularly if their families live very far away. SPECIAL THANKS Thanks to everyone involved to help make this project a reality. Thanks to all our supporters for your generous donations to help fund these spaces. Thanks to Xander Patel-Cook, senior congenital heart disease health youth worker from Youth at Heart and lead nurese, Sheena Vernon (Lead Nurse) for facilitating the project in collaboration with University Hospitals Bristol and Weston Foundation Trust, the numerous dedicated staff (from consultants, nurses, finance directors and matrons) who work at the Bristol Heart Institute (BHI), Grosvenor Interiors, UHBW Estates, the learning disability team, and the young people who have input into the project. HELP US DO MORE GREAT THINGS FOR YOUR HOSPITALS MAKE A DONATION OR SET UP A REGULAR GIFT LEAVE A GIFT IN YOUR WILL FUNDRAISE WITH YOUR FRIENDS OR FAMILY Manage Cookie Preferences