Creating a calming, child-friendly A&E environment
University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) NHS Trust partnered with Graphic Signs to modernise its Children’s Emergency Department for the first time since 2006. The project focused on delivering clear, inclusive wayfinding and calming visual graphics—designed to reduce anxiety, improve patient flow, and create a more reassuring environment for children and their carers.
Divisions involved
Client overview
University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) NHS Trust is the main hospital serving Coventry and Rugby. With a large A&E department, it is one of the UK’s largest teaching hospitals, delivering critical and specialist care to a diverse community.
Key goals
Project brief
The Children’s Emergency Department had not been updated since 2006 and required a full visual refresh. Following design development by Art in Site, Graphic Signs was appointed—via the ESPO 344 framework—for the production and installation of all signage and graphics.
Given the urgent nature of A&E environments, signage needed to communicate clearly and instantly. Designs incorporated simple questions, accessible language, and friendly imagery to support children and carers navigating a high-stress setting.
Inclusivity was central to the project. The hospital conducted thorough consultations involving management, nurses, and patients to ensure the final designs were practical, accessible, and supportive of diverse needs.
Graphic Signs conducted detailed site measurements, participated in pre-installation meetings, and carefully planned installation to avoid disruption. The full project delivery was completed within three weeks, with on-site installation finalised in just four days.
Key objectives
Solutions
Calming wall and glass graphics
Large-format graphics featuring calming colours and friendly cartoon characters helped create a more welcoming and reassuring environment for children.
Clear, accessible communication
Bold typography and clear messaging made important information easy to understand and navigate for patients and visitors.
Patient information signage
Informational signage explained key patient journey steps and answered frequently asked questions, helping patients feel more informed and prepared.
Printed ceiling tile
Bespoke printed ceiling tiles provided engaging visual distractions, helping to comfort and occupy children during treatment.
Durable, compliant materials
Fire-rated, anti-scratch and hardwearing materials were selected to meet healthcare requirements while reducing long-term maintenance.
Visual showcase / Deliverables
Results
Implementation
- Not included in this project
Plan
We map out your project scope, nail down the tech specs, and chart the path from concept to completion – on time, on spec, no excuses. - Not included in this project
Design
We create the visuals and technical blueprints, making sure every detail works with your brand and works beautifully in the real world. - Not included in this project
Deliver
We build it, ship it, and roll it out – with experienced hands who care about getting it right and keeping disruption to a minimum. - Not included in this project
Install
We bring our experienced fitters on-site to set everything up precisely, making sure it all works flawlessly and looks exactly as it should. - Not included in this project
Upgrade
We refresh your existing setup, extending its life and keeping it current as your brand evolves and technology moves on.
Key learnings
- Design around the patient experience: Healthcare graphics should consider how patients and carers feel, as well as what information they need to understand.
- Make information intuitive: Clear messaging, strong visual hierarchy and well-planned wayfinding can help people navigate unfamiliar healthcare environments with greater confidence.
- Use design to reduce anxiety: Calming colours, friendly imagery and engaging visual distractions can help create a more reassuring environment for children and families.
- Plan for the environment: Healthcare signage needs to balance creativity with durability, safety and the practical demands of a busy clinical setting.