Artist Stephen Smith, aka Neasden Control Centre, has created artwork for Robin's Ward, Tom's Ward, Bellhouse Drayson Ward and the Children's Day Care Ward to provide welcoming, fun spaces for young patients which help to distract and assuage anxiety.

Steve has create colourful positive animal based identities for each ward, with artwork that supports signage and wayfinding, and introduces a sense of play and fun. Each bed space on the wards has its own individual animal or bird character which can be found elsewhere in the ward - including on treatment rooms ceilings for children to distract them when undergoing procedures.

Robin's Ward

Hospital ward wall painted with large naive images of trees, animals and insects.

Robin's Ward wall art by Stephen Smith

Square ceiling tiles with naive images of foxes, hedgehogs, butterflies, dogs and deer painted on them.

Robin's Ward ceiling tiles by Stephen Smith

Bellhouse Drayson Ward

Hospital corridor wall painted with bright fish, trees, birds and animals.

Bellhouse Drayson wall art by Stephen Smith

Colourful shapes adhered to a rectangular interior window.

Bellhouse Drayson window art by Stephen Smith

Theatre Direct Admissions

He has also developed jungle-themed artwork for Theatre Direct Admissions with lots of animals for children to spot while they wait for an operation.

Three translucent window panels in a dim waiting area featuring naive images of jungle and savannah animals.

Theatre Direct Admissions window by Stephen Smith

Row of cots in a ward beneath a long wall painted with naive colourful animals, birds and trees.

Theatre Direct Admissions wall art by Stephen Smith

Feedback

"The artwork has really changed the atmosphere on the ward; it's created a brighter, happier and friendlier environment for young patients and families. We're delighted with it and have received lots of positive comments from parents.

"The Welcome artwork is inviting and reassures families that they are in the right place and sets the feel for the ward. The ceiling tiles in the treatment room have provided useful distraction for children and are well used by play specialists.

"The artwork works for all age groups. It engages young children but isn't too childish for older children and is enjoyed by parents too."

Olivia Freeman, Robin's Ward Sister

"Many families have said the artwork is bright and colourful. Children like having an animal by the number of their bedspace and then finding it on the corridor feature wall and on the ceiling decorations.

"Some of the older children have liked the treatment room ceiling tiles decorations and say which picture is their favourite - so it has sparked conversations for distraction."

Chantelle Douglas, Play Specialist

"...your artwork was immediately a very welcome sight (when we entered the ward). I absolutely love it and appreciate the fact that it applies to the signage around the ward as well as murals and bedside artwork. I just thought I would let you I have found it a real comfort, like a friendly face as I walk around the ward."

Parent of patient

Spires Cleft Rooms

Designers Peagreen have worked closely with speech therapy staff to create a supportive environment for young patients in rooms used by speech and language therapists in Children's Outpatients

Taking a woodland theme, their design incorporates a wealth of animals, insects, fish and birds to count and spot, as well as those with names - such as 'bumble bee' - that are useful for speech therapists to ask the children to say. The designers have even included a tooth fairy to young dental patients.

Interior wall with mock window frame, painted with trees, owl and deer.

Spires Cleft Roof wall art by Peagreen

"It has blown my mind to see the room so completely and beautifully transformed! It's wonderful to finally be able to see all the lovely details up close. The colouring is gorgeous - soft and light. I love everything about it and work is suddenly a very different place!

"Lisa, you have gone above and beyond as the designer. The way you have collaborated with us and accommodated our many requests has been exceptional. It is truly appreciated and we are thrilled with what you've created."

Sarah Overton, Speech and Language Therapist