The Trust at Great Ormond Street Hospital provided a detailed brief for 10 new inpatient bedrooms with en-suites and support facilities such as treatment rooms as well as a playroom and facilities for staff and parents.

The International Private Patients unit is geared predominately to support Middle Eastern patients, and, as such, required a high quality interior which also reflects the future aspirations of the department.

WGI presented a number of trial themes for the interior which were developed through a series of 3D views, updated and honed down, to provide final images. A high end hotel approach to the interior design was what was aimed for.

While a lot of emphasis was placed on the interiors, a challenging planning application had to be submitted to deal with the neighbouring listed chapel, affected by the project.

The new Hedgehog Ward is located in the Southwood building which originates from the late 1930s. This forced very tight coordination with some innovative outcomes, and significant customisation of standard hospital solutions.

Location: Camden, London

Client: Balfour Beatty for Great Ormond Street Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Value: £5m

Service: Architecture, Interiors: Full Design

WGI supported Costain in submitting a bid for a new community hospital by developing a proposal resulting from a close working relationship with United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust, the local authority, the community and the Carbon Trust. The practice then went on to develop the detailed design and production information, as well as providing technical support to Costain during construction.
Two existing community hospitals, a clinic and a residential unit were centralised on to a greenfield site overlooking open land - improving healthcare services and bringing together the wider community. Full outpatient services are complemented by imaging, minor injuries unit, mental health services, physiotherapy and GP services. A 33-bed inpatient facility provides treatment for chronic illnesses and palliative care. The building also provides a base for outreach services and an ambulance station.
The building fully achieves the Trust’s functional requirements, is representative of its users and is loved by the community. The sustainable building respects the local habitat, whilst structural insulated roof panels improve its performance and eased construction. It was shortlisted for the Building Better Healthcare Best Project Team Award.

Location: Spalding, Lincolnshire

Client: United Lincolnshire Hospital NHS Trust

Value: £23m

Service: Architecture, Interiors: Full Design

WGI were appointed by St George's Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust to produce a masterplan for the development of their Tooting site over the next 10 to 15 years. The aim was to establish the potential capacity of the site, and to secure a development strategy through the planning process.

The masterplan concentrates on the clinical aspects of the project, such as optimising the existing facilities, and providing new development potential in strategic locations, thereby modernising the existing hospital, and university estate.

The masterplan includes for three new buildings, circa 70,000m² of clinical space, a residential quarter and a new landscaped access and circulation strategy, which would make the hospital an integral part of the locality.

A full, 12 stage decant strategy was developed to prepare for the implementation of the masterplan in motion.

Location: Tooting, London

Client: St George's Healthcare NHS Foundation

Value: £430m

Service: Masterplanning: Full Service

Berrywood Hospital is a new state-of-the-art hospital providing safe, caring inpatient mental health services for adults and older people, assessment and treatment for people with learning disabilities, and a low secure unit - accompanied by supporting service facilities.
WGI was appointed by Balfour Beatty and Mill Group for this PFI bid for the phased development, which centralised a number of services in one facility. The brief demanded a new approach to the design of a mental health hospital - and unification of its different activities - by creating a building that includes domestic closed, private areas for patients, semi-private and semi-public living and treatment areas, and more formal, open, public spaces accessible by the community.
Leading the briefing consultation process during bidding, WGI forged a good working relationship with the Trust as well as the local community. The process included workshops using live sketching, as well as roadshow consultations.
Transitions between different spaces are expressed in scale, finishes, colour palette, textures and form. Innovative construction methods allowed the project to be delivered on time. These included bathroom pods that were manufactured off site and erection of the roof void ahead of the external walls by using a light steel frame in order to allow the services installation to progress from an early stage. The scheme is highly successful and has been well accepted in the community.

Location: Northampton, Northamptonshire

Client: Mill Group for Northampton Health Trust

Value: £32m

Service: Architecture, Interiors: Full Design

Suggesting an alternative approach won WGI this project, which appeared as an OJEU notice posted by the HSE for a traditional architectural service from option appraisal to completion on site - including contract administration.
The initial brief assumed a series of complex moves and piecemeal developments. WGI proposed an alternative approach to integrate all cardiac functions into the new building by including theatres and ICU - rather than additional new build and refurbishment as specified. The resulting five-storey, 175-bed specialist cardiac and renal centre extension included acute and outpatient services, coronary care unit, two cardiac theatres, endoscopy suites, four catheter laboratories, ITU, HDU, step down unit, renal unit and in-patient beds arranged around a large atrium and bridging over the access road to the main entrance. Separation of public and outpatient circulation from clinical and inpatient areas enables infection control and patient dignity. Cardiac theatres, ICU, HDU and stepdown inpatient unit are all located on the same floor with blurred physical boundaries to ensure maximum flexibility in use.

Location: Cork, Ireland

Client: HSE Southern Region

Value: €43m

Service: Architecture, Interiors: Full Design

Great Ormond Street Hospital is undergoing a major redevelopment: the masterplan will take around 20 years to complete. WGI have been working on the complex since 2008.

WGI were appointed for the enabling works related to the realisation of the masterplan. To date, around 60 departments, such as the clinical research facilities, acute patient treatment areas, theatres including a hybrid theatre, wards and office areas have been relocated.

WGI have continued to work on the service upgrade projects under the ProCure21 and the ProCure21+ frameworks.

Works vary considerably in size - from a large combined NICU/PICU, to 25-30 bed inpatient wards and relocating small clusters of rooms. Working on a congested site, with buildings of various ages, build and condition, and within a live hospital environment, presents challenging conditions at all stages. WGI's close work with the design team, Trust project managers and user groups - as well as experience and familiarity of the estate - enables working efficiencies and technical enhancements, while meeting the Trust's timescales.

The latest projects consist of the reorganisation of the main entrance, including the outpatient department, a hybrid theatre and a private patient unit.

Location: Camden, London

Client: Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children

Value: £69m

Service: Architecture, Interiors: Full Design

Ulster Community Hospital initially commissioned WGI to carry out an analysis of the sites and properties within its ownership and assist in setting out a strategic development plan. The commission for a state-of-the-art Maternity Unit was one of the identified redevelopment phases, won in association with Todd Architects following a competitive interview process.

Having considered the cost and other implications for various configurations, a new built standalone unit on the existing hospital site was the preferred option. It provides outpatient facilities, day obstetric unit, delivery suites, theatres, neonatal unit, maternity wards and a home-from-home birthing suite. The design follows aesthetic guidelines already established by WGI and Todd Architects within the strategic plan. As healthcare planner leading the internal space planning, WGI collaborated closely with not only the Trust and its staff but also local mothers, giving a unique insight into what they and their babies would need from a maternity unit - and how that could be translated into the design. This ensures that it will continue to meet their needs well into the future.

Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland
Client:    Ulster Community Hospital
Value:     £10m
Service:  Healthcare Planning Design

Following a competitive interview process, Northern Ireland's South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust initially commissioned WGI, in association with another architect, to carry out an analysis of its sites and properties to assist in preparing its strategic development plan. The Critical Care Complex became one of the identified redevelopment phases and WGI's second commission for the Trust. The brief centred on designing a new build extension to the existing hospital to accommodate seven state-of-the-art theatres, endoscopy facilities, 16-bed intensive care unit, central sterilisation department, laboratory facilities and administration offices. WGI's role as healthcare planners began with user group meetings to discuss the hospital's clinical planning.

The resulting design for the complex, hailed as one of the most technologically advanced healthcare buildings in the UK, embodied the latest best practices. The layout maximises efficiency and optimises patient flow through surgery, recovery and ITU, with sterile services and laboratories close by to minimise delays. Future expansion is also fully catered for in the design, catering for expected increase in demand.

Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland

Client: Ulster Hospital, Dundonald

Value: £25m

Service: Healthcare Planning Design

WGI designed the upgrade and expansion of the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) unit. The unit is an intensive intervention nine-bed inpatient care facility for children from 7-14 with a range of mental health problems, located on the top floor of the frontage building. 
Concern had been growing about the existing accommodation, which had been allowed to deteriorate and posed a number of ligature risks to patients. 
WGI’s task was to create a safe, bright, contemporary environment for patients, to some of which the unit is ‘home’, school and leisure space for protracted periods. 
Spaces were remodelled, surface finishes changed, colour added, artworks introduced and the number of bedrooms increased. A caged play area on the roof was transformed by introducing glass walls, artificial grass surface, planters and seating.

Location:     Camden, London
Client:     Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children
Size:     405 m² 
Value:     £1.2m
Service:     Architecture, Interiors: Full Design

Great Ormond Street Hospital needed a state-of-the-art, purpose-built clinical research facility in an existing sub-basement space. The brief included day-care accommodation, laboratory and clinical/consultation rooms; the spaces were to be pleasing and functional for children, families and staff.

To create attractive spaces for children we designed a semi-circular, internal play area to reflect the shape of a 'healing' tree, a tribute to Peter Pan, as well as a sensory wall consisting of lights and sound.

The modern and professional feel of the reception area was to help reassure parents that they are in the care of the world's foremost centre of excellence for childhood illness.

The facility was shortlisted for the Building Better Healthcare Best Interior Design Award.

Location: Camden, London

Client: Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children

Size: 547 m²

Value: £1.2m

Service: Architecture, Interiors: Full Design

When Medway NHS Foundation Trust wanted to set out a vision for the future of the Medway Maritime Hospital, it commissioned WGI to carry out the redevelopment strategy. Having reviewed, analysed and assessed the Trust's current estate/clinical layouts and engaged in consultation with the clinical directors to ascertain their aspirations for the next 20 years, WGI created a phased redevelopment strategy which also took into account the wider regeneration and needs of the Medway Towns and Thames Gateway.

The strategy for the 565-bed facility provides for 100% single patient rooms, a new and enlarged emergency department in support of becoming the regional Trauma Centre, and a three-fold increase in critical care beds. Surgical capacity is increased, outpatient and assessment facilities improved and women's and children's services rationalised - all within facilities that are sustainable, flexible and adaptable to change.

The presentations, approved by the executive board, local community and councillors, represented the best modern practices in healthcare planning and design, which allow for greater operational flexibility and efficiency whilst reducing the overall built area.

Location: Gillingham, Kent

Client: Medway NHS Foundation Trust

Value: £100m (Phase 1)

Service: Architecture: Redevelopment Strategy

WGI were appointed as the single source masterplanning architect on the Trust's consultant framework in 2009. WGI were then appointed in 2012 through the framework to work on the masterplan for the Leeds General Infirmary site and became part of a larger project team to undertake a high level strategic studies for the site.

Working closely with the Trust the team provided an integrated approach to evaluating the existing site and individual buildings, followed by design options which considered the various permutations for both the Trust's accommodation requirements and the residual developable land. The proposals included the relocation of a number of the hospital departments in both new and existing buildings, whilst embracing the significant challenges of heritage buildings across the site.

The success of the exercise was due to having the appropriate skills across the team, and a collaborative and responsive approach between the team and the Trust.

Location: Leeds, Yorkshire

Client: Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

Value: £140m

Service: Masterplanning

WGI were appointed by St George's Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust to develop designs for these three facilities, with the intention of combining the SAU and Multi-Faith Centre in one building contract.

The design for the Renal Unit was first developed as two feasibility study options within the existing Grosvenor Wing, one a 28 bed facility and the other with 60 bed capacity. This has evolved to a 28 bed facility, part of the Private Patient Unit which was to be developed as the first phase of the masterplan.

The SAU is located in the St James Wing. The design consists of an eight bed assessment area, an eight bed inpatient area, clinical rooms, a minor procedures room and staff facilities. As a refurbishment the proposal includes for the infill of a courtyard and a significant reconfiguration of the services and drainage.

In order to accommodate the SAU the existing Multi-Faith Centre has been relocated into another part of the building for which WGI have designed the new facility.

Location: Tooting, London

Client: St George's Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

Value: £14m

Service: Architecture: Full Design

As part of the masterplan various outline building proposals had to be produced. Based on a basic brief provided by the Trust, WGI expanded on these and produced the necessary schedules of accommodation, outline layouts and visualisations to determine the development potential of the site.

The Outpatients department would extract outpatients from the acute hospital thereby allowing expansion, modernisation and reorganisation of the hospital. The outpatient building is organised around shared and maximised space principles ensuring maximum flexibility.

The women and children's extension would create a new dedicated outpatient area and expand the inpatient facilities, allowing the existing wards to be modernised.

The new private patients wing relieves the hospital's bed requirements and also provides new accommodation for renal patients. It will also provide a new and much needed frontage to Blackshaw Road.

Location: Tooting, London

Client: St George's Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

Value: £200m

Service: Architecture: Outline Planning

External space is at a premium in densely developed sites such as Great Ormond Street Hospital. Therefore when Morgan Stanley donated their Chelsea Flower Show garden to Great Ormond Street Hospital, a roof was made accessible and was turned into a roof garden taht offers patients as well as their parents and families a secluded and reflective space.

WGI was tasked with the preparation of the roof, in order to accept the People's Choice Award garden once the show was over. The installation of the garden was orchestrated by BBC's DIY SOS programme.

Through careful planning and communication with the garden's designer, Chris Beardshaw, we managed to prepare the site so all elements could be installed with the necessary variations from the show to turn the garden into a roof garden.

One added complication was to prepare the installation by a relatively unskilled workforce, the volunteers who support the BBC programme. Health and safety was therefore of paramount importance.

Location: Camden, London

Client: Great Ormond Street Hospital NHS Foundation

Value: £0.6m

Service: Architecture: Enabling Design Works

Procured under the P21+ framework with Balfour Beatty, WGI have designed several theatres for the world leading Great Ormond Street Hospital.

The brief for the Hybrid Theatre required the infilling of the Peter Pan courtyard at Levels 2 and 3. This led to a cantilevered structural solution over four levels. It enabled the development of a vastly improved reception and waiting space for the New Main Entrance without affecting the functionality or aesthetics of a busy hospital. The structure was successfully incorporated into the theatre floor while maintaining room adjacencies.

The new integrated Theatre 10 in the Morgan Stanley Clinical Building was a refurbishment of the mentioned Hybrid Theatre which had moved to new facilities. The integrated theatre combines traditional operating procedures with urology diagnostics in a state of the art facility.

Location: Camden, London

Client: Great Ormond Street Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Value: £0.6m

Service: Architecture, Interiors: Full design

With the new main entrance and outpatient department at Great Ormond Street Hospital, WGI were appointed to provide the architectural and interior design from concept to completion. The brief for this project was to improve the patient experience upon arrival. The aim was to raise the standard of the patient experience by creating a child friendly environment which is engaging and fun as well as providing all the requisite functions of a busy reception and circulation area. The team’s main challenge was to maintain the main entrance and circulation via the adjacent areas whilst work progressed.

The new reception area has an underwater theme to provide continuity with the Lagoon restaurant and play area. A spectacular new reception desk shaped as a boat with lit sails to the side is backed up by a nautical colour scheme, an interactive revolving rock pool floor projection and a collage wall of colourful fish drawn by the hospital’s children patients.

As well providing a playful environment, the new reception space offers important practical enhancements including a comfortable waiting area and new facilities for the patient advice and liaison, transport and accommodation services. To reduce waiting times and congestion, interactive wayfinding kiosks have been installed to help visitors find their way around quickly.

External improvements include a coloured glass ‘rainbow’ above the enlarged main entrance lobby to create an inviting first impression and provide a pleasant approach for both patients and staff. The famous Peter Pan statue, Great Ormond Street Hospital’s symbol, was also brought back to life in a refurbished planting bed adjacent to the lobby.

A new entrance to access the outpatient clinics was opened from the new reception area. This provided much-needed improvements to the outpatient facilities including new consulting rooms and a dedicated waiting area.

Location: Camden, London

Client: Great Ormond Street Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Value: £12m

Service: Architecture, Interiors: Full Design

The project, involving a Critical Care Centre as well as Paediatric and Neo-Natal Intensive Care Units, was part of the enabling works for Phase 2A of the development plan for Great Ormond Street Hospital.

WGI were asked to upgrade the facilities which were located in ageing buildings, set for demolition in later phases of the masterplan. To keep the hospitals functioning while work was ongoing, the new facility was constructed, replacing the old one, using a phased approach. WGI was responsible for the architectural and interior design, phasing the decant in conjunction with the Trust, and overseeing the construction process.

Through careful planning and monitoring, the project was completed with minimum service disruption.  Due to space constraints imposed by the existing buildings, spaces were carefully considered with all stakeholders and while they were below HBN guidelines, positive feedback proved that teamwork and out-of-the-box thinking often produces desired results.

Location: Camden, London

Client: Great Ormond Street Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Value: £10m

Service: Architecture, Interiors: Full Design