The University Hospitals of Derby and Burton Hospitals Charity has funded a new sensory zone at Royal Derby Hospital to help calm young patients during emergency medical visits. The peaceful space, built inside the busy emergency department, uses money raised by local fundraisers and staff members.
Features of the Sensory Room
The specialised area incorporates soft lighting and interactive toys to reduce anxiety for children who feel overwhelmed by the loud hospital environment. Hospital workers can change the room's colour schemes and project glowing stars across the ceiling to suit the specific needs of each family. This quiet zone makes it easier for medical teams to examine children safely, as the calm surroundings lower patient stress levels.
Benefits for All Children
While originally designed to support neurodiverse children, the relaxing benefits are helping all young people who arrive at the clinic. Senior Sister Jenna said: “The sensory room can benefit all our patients. It provides a distraction, but also helps to reground and calm them, enabling us to make a proper assessment.” She added: “We’ve had children come in feeling overwhelmed, but once we bring them into the sensory room and adjust it to suit their needs, they become much more settled and calmer.”
Community Support
A local coffee shop supported the charity campaign by donating all customer tips over a 12-month period. Hospital finance worker Julie Waldrum was inspired to help because her grandson is autistic and non-verbal. She said: “I could see the benefit of a sensory room right away, with my grandson being autistic and non-verbal. The room is beautiful and it’s absolutely perfect for anyone that needs a moment of calm.” Waldrum helped bring the project to life by organising a regional dog show and a charity football match.
Part of a Wider Campaign
The new installation forms part of a broader campaign to improve inclusion and accessibility across the entire emergency department. Dr Andrew Seggie championed the inclusive workspace as part of a national inclusion award scheme. Although he has now moved to a different medical facility, he returned to see the finished zone. Dr Seggie said: “What I’m most proud of is that this work outlasted my time here. It’s embedded in the team and still growing - that’s what good quality improvement looks like.”
Future Impact
Hospital managers are delighted with the new facility and say it will continue to support visiting families for years to come. Jill Matthews, Chief Officer of Derby and Burton Hospitals Charity, said: “I’d like to extend my thanks to everybody who donated to allow us to install the sensory room. Our charity exists to enhance the patient experience and it’s clear from the feedback received so far that this new addition has been so very gratefully received and it will continue to make a difference to young patients and their families for years to come.”
