Celebrating Collaboration at Mile End Hospital
The opening of the new Renal Centre at Mile End Hospital marks a milestone for patient centred design.
And for us!
Corridor entrance
A project that embodies everything we believe healthcare environments should be:
- collaborative,
- compassionate,
- shaped by the people who use them.
Funded by Barts Charity and initiated back in 2022, this transformation has been years in the making. In the Summer, our Director Colin attended the official opening, joining clinicians, charity partners, young people and families who helped bring the vision to life. It was a proud moment for everyone involved.
A Brilliant Example of Collaboration
From the outset, this project was driven by a shared ambition: to create a renal space that felt welcoming, dignified and genuinely supportive for young people living with kidney disease. That ambition was championed by Suzanne Forbes, kidney consultant and clinical lead for dialysis at Barts Health, and Andi, Consultant Nephrologist, whose vision set the tone for the entire design process.
The project was steered with energy and determination by Hannah from the Capital team, who kept momentum going through procurement challenges, design development and stakeholder engagement.
At the opening, she told Colin:
“It’s amazing, a space like no other clinical environment I’ve been in. Thank you for being patient with procurement and for engaging so deeply with the youth group. We’re all so grateful for the space you’ve created.”
That gratitude is mutual. This project worked because everyone leaned in, clinicians, estates, charity partners, designers, and most importantly, young people themselves.
Reception desk: Bespoke joinery
Young People at the Heart of the Design
The youth worker featured in the press coverage recruited an incredible group of young people whose role was far more than ‘consultation’. They shaped the brief, challenged assumptions, and helped define what the space needed to feel like; safe, homely, uplifting and supportive.
They were serious, thoughtful and passionate about improving the lives of young people with kidney disease. Their input wasn’t symbolic; it was fundamental.
One young person, Tamin, advocated strongly for a breakout room. A space to decompress after dialysis, when cramps and fatigue make it hard to simply get up and leave. Her idea became a dedicated chill out zone complete with a TV and gaming station.
As she put it:
“I’ve never seen anything like this in any hospital.”
Moments like that are exactly why co design matters.
Breakout room used before and after treatment
A Space That Feels Different: Because It Is
The clinical team wanted a centre that didn’t feel clinical. The youth group wanted a space that felt like home. Together, we created an environment that blends calmness, colour, comfort and dignity. A place where young people can feel supported, not overwhelmed.
Feedback from patients has been outstanding. The articles published by Barts Charity and the East London Advertiser highlight just how transformative this centre already feels, and how meaningful it has been for families to see their experiences reflected in the design.
Recharge station
Behind the Scenes: A Team Effort
The Capital and Estates team at Mile End were exceptional, redecorating, preparing and coordinating works to ensure the space was ready for installation. Their commitment made a huge difference.
Our Lead Designer, Vic, summed up the experience perfectly:
“It was such a joy to work on this project. We’re extremely pleased with the end result and hope to work alongside Barts again in the future.”
A Project That Will Shape Futures
For the young people involved, this was an opportunity to influence healthcare design and advocate for what matters. Their contribution will support countless others who walk through the doors of the Renal Centre.
Dedicated entrance