Hospital visits can sometimes feel unfamiliar or daunting for children and young people, and small changes to the environment can make a big difference to how safe and comfortable they feel. To help improve the experience, two pupils from the Hospital School; Keira, aged 12, and Nyla, aged seven, were invited to design illustrations for a new self check-in kiosk at Doncaster Royal Infirmary.
Their colourful characters and playful designs now feature on the kiosk signage, using bright, child-friendly visuals. The artwork helps make the check-in process feel less clinical and more approachable.
The redesign of the Children’s Outpatients kiosk forms part of a Trust-wide investment in upgrading self check-in kiosks, introducing modern, more reliable units to enhance the patient experience. Involving young patients in the design of the Children’s Outpatient clinic kiosk, the Trust wanted to ensure that children’s voices are reflected in practical ways that will benefit others.
The kiosk signage also proudly includes the names of the two young artists, recognising their contribution and helping them feel valued and involved in making a difference for other children.
The Hospital School caters for children and young people from Reception age up to and including GCSE level, providing education and a sense of normality for young people during their time in hospital. For pupils who are in hospital during SATs or GCSE examination periods, exams can be taken within the school.
Equipped with its own classroom and a small library, the school is staffed by qualified teachers and is available to any child on the Children’s Ward, whether they are in hospital for a short stay or receiving longer-term care. If well enough, children are encouraged to take part in learning either in the classroom or at their bedside. Alongside supporting education, the school plays an important role in wellbeing, routine and maintaining a sense of normal life during what can be a challenging time.
The school was rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted in its most recent inspection, with educators permanently based within the hospital school and available during regular school hours.
The project brought together the Hospital School, Patient Administration Systems team and Children’s Outpatients colleagues to make a small but meaningful improvement to the clinic environment.
Claire Riley, Hospital School teacher at DBTH, said: “This project gave our pupils the opportunity to see how their creativity can make a real difference to other children coming into hospital. It helps them feel proud, valued and involved, while supporting a more positive experience for patients and families.”
April Brumpton, Service Manager at DBTH, said: “Simple changes to our environment can have a big impact on how children feel when they arrive for appointments. Having artwork designed by children, for children, is a powerful way of showing that their voices matter and that we are listening to what helps them feel more at ease.”
The illustrations have now been installed on the self check-in kiosk in the Children’s Outpatients Clinic, where they will be seen by hundreds of young patients and their families each week.