We partnered with St Cross Hospital to design, supply, and install a complete wayfinding system across this historic NHS site. The project required a full overhaul of both internal and external signage to unify the expanded hospital campus, improving navigation for patients, visitors, and staff whilst maintaining accessibility and inclusivity throughout.
St Cross Hospital in Rugby is a historic NHS site that has developed and expanded over time to offer various comprehensive healthcare services. As the hospital grew, the signage became outdated with a mixture of old and new systems that were no longer fit for purpose, requiring a unified approach to wayfinding across the entire campus.
We were commissioned by the Trust to design, implement, and install a comprehensive wayfinding system that would tie the entire site together. The project involved a complete review of existing signage, site surveys to develop new structures and site maps, and close collaboration with multiple stakeholder groups including the Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) group, NHS communications team, and site estates team.
We divided the hospital site into four easily identifiable zones with a colour-coding system that visually communicated navigation throughout parking areas and all directional signage.
Directional maps were strategically placed both internally and externally, incorporating the colour zone system to help people identify different areas and departments at a glance.
We implemented interchangeable, modular sign systems including ceiling, floor, and wall-mounted options, architectural tray signage, and internal and external totems that can be easily updated as needed.
A complete range of internal and external signage solutions addressed the challenges of the large site with multiple buildings and departments, creating seamless navigation from car park to department.
We were involved from the start of the project, conducting initial reviews of current signage and comprehensive site surveys. Working closely with the Trust and multiple stakeholder groups, we developed a new structure and site map that incorporated feedback from the PPI group regarding current difficulties faced by patients and visitors.
The design process focused on creating a unified system using colour-coding to divide the site into four zones. We finalised the directional map designs and determined optimal placement for both internal and external signage. The modular system was designed to be futureproof, allowing easy updates without complete replacement.
We manufactured a comprehensive range of signage including interchangeable modular systems, architectural tray signage, internal and external totems, and wayfinding maps. Throughout production, we liaised regularly with the NHS communications team to ensure patients and staff were kept informed of the project timeline.
Despite challenging weather conditions during one of the coldest weeks of the year, our team successfully completed the installation across the entire site. The modular signs incorporated the colour-coding system seamlessly from car park through to individual departments.
The St Cross Hospital project demonstrated the importance of inclusive consultation and strategic planning in wayfinding design. By involving patient and public groups from the start, we gained valuable insights into real-world navigation challenges that were causing complaints. The colour-coded zone system proved highly effective in creating intuitive navigation across a complex, multi-building site. The modular approach not only futureproofed the system but also minimised disruption for future updates, whilst continuous communication with the NHS team helped manage patient and staff expectations throughout the installation period.
