42
“ We ’ re looking forward to bringing everyone under one roof and making the most of new ways of working .”
The Dyson Centre for Neonatal Care opened in July 2011 with the aim of creating a healthier environment for babies , parents and staff through the intelligent use of design and architecture . As the Centre celebrates its ten-year anniversary , the hospital is now looking forward to the new Dyson Cancer Centre , which will open in 2023 .
“ The Dyson Centre for Neonatal Care demonstrated the very significant effect that design and architecture can have on the recovery of patients . The bright , well designed spaces quickly proved their value to babies , something that we hope to replicate at the new Dyson Cancer Centre . Cancer is the most terrible of diseases , but by bringing cutting edge technology , design features , natural light and therapeutic green spaces , we hope this new building will support patients , families and staff through harrowing times .” Sir James Dyson , Founder and Chief Engineer at Dyson .
The Dyson Centre for Neonatal Care leads the way in improving quality of life for sick and premature babies . Designed by local architects Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios it now cares for 500 babies annually .
The building has a progressive layout . A clockwise circuit of cot rooms , starting with intensive care , leading to special care and finally home ; this creates a psychological effect of progress . The collection of care rooms also forms a route around the staff base , which is the heart of the unit , so staff spend more time in the care environment . Square box windows provide reflective spaces , whilst improved layouts allow medical facilities to be stored discreetly , improving the Unit ’ s atmosphere . The exposed internal timber also creates a more calm , domestic environment within a clinical setting .
Large windows give controllable natural light throughout , allowing babies , parents and staff to be aware of changing outside conditions . This careful light management ensures babies understand day and night , vital for circadian rhythm development boosting immune systems , metabolic functions , mood and cognitive roles .
Revolutionary research , funded by a £ 100,000 donation from the James Dyson Foundation , was carried out when the Unit opened , comparing the old building with the new . Of the babies assessed , 90 % recuperating in the new Unit went home breast feeding , compared to 64 % in the former pre-natal building . The study also showed that babies were better rested - sleeping on average for 22 % longer than in the old unit .
Dr Bernie Marden , Medical Director at RUH , was formally a consultant neonatologist and paediatrician involved in the Unit ’ s research .
www . constructionviewonline . co . uk