Emergency Department refurbished free thanks to Sheffield company

The waiting area in Sheffield Children’s Hospital Emergency Department has been upgraded thanks to Sheffield-based building company Henry Boot Construction, which donated both labour and materials to the project.

New flooring and wall panels have been added to freshen up the space and to help keep the area clean and hygienic. Old seating has been removed and replaced with colourful individual chairs, giving more flexibility to support social distancing and infection control. The result is a cleaner, brighter and more welcoming place for children and families to wait during an emergency. Artfelt, The Children’s Hospital Charity arts in hospital programme, advised on the best colour palette of chairs, cladding and floor to use in the space to make sure it was perfect for children and young people.

While a longer term project continues to raise funds for a complete expansion and transformation of the Emergency Department, this upgrade will benefit the families who attend in the meantime – normally the unit sees 58,000 children each year. 

Fortunately less children have needed to attend the Emergency Department in recent weeks as increased time at home reduced the number of accidents – meaning the refurbishment could take place without disrupting families or the department’s clinical activity.

Emergency Department Consultant Dr Cath Rimmer said: “The work carried out by Henry Boot totally free of charge has made a significant impact to the Emergency Department. Not only cosmetically, but it has also allowed us to overcome some of the barriers we face due to social distancing and to reduce infection risk for children and families waiting for treatment.”

Henry Boot decided to support Sheffield Children’s after its project manager, Ryan Spencer, needed to attend the Emergency Department with his young son. Henry Boot offered to work with subcontractors Altro to donate materials and labour as part of Henry Boot’s volunteering policy. Richardson Cladding and Fresco Flooring also offered to do the work at cost.

Ryan said: “It’s been a pleasure to be part of a charitable project for Sheffield Children’s Hospital. We are so lucky to have this wonderful dedicated healthcare facility right in the heart of our city, which provides first class care for our children. I hope the updated waiting area benefits both staff and patients who use the hospital.”

The Children’s Hospital Charity are campaigning to raise £4.5million to completely transform the ED. Find out more and donate here www.tchc.org.uk