Page 5 - Clinical Connections- Autumn 2021

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Page 5 - Clinical Connections- Autumn 2021
P. 5

Client Wellbeing

        DEVELOPING HAWKSHEAD: MAKING A GOOD

        THING BETTER

        Jo Payne, Operational Interface Manager for the Hawkshead development

              growing body of evidence indicates   Patient surveys regularly highlight   Standard,  “Design of an accessible and
              that there are clear links between   the sort of amenities that people value:   inclusive built environment” and plans were
        A patient health and wellbeing and   sunlight, bright decoration, displays of art   independently assessed and approved
        the physical characteristics of hospitals.   and a welcoming café; personal space   by the local Design Review Panel, with
        Through effective design, the built   – somewhere they can be alone – all   reference to the National Planning Policy
        environment of healthcare facilities can   the better if there is somewhere to walk   Framework. The NPPF specifically obliges
        have a direct impact on patient outcomes,   in the fresh air, somewhere with a view.    panels to assess whether designs are
        including reducing levels of anxiety and   Accessibility is also vital, so that all spaces   “safe, inclusive and accessible” and
        stress, shortening recovery periods and   can be enjoyed equally by those with   “promote health and wellbeing”.
        increasing social interaction.      impaired mobility.
          Beneficial effects have also been   At Hawkshead, the RVC has embarked   Key benefits of the campus
        observed for staff, including improved   on the largest and most ambitious single   development will include:
        morale, job satisfaction and wellbeing, as   capital development the College has ever   •   An enhanced central green space with
        well as increased productivity and lower   undertaken. Due for completion in mid-  wild flower and native tree planting,
        rates of absence.                   2022, the project will deliver improved   leading to an accessible and pet-
          While these studies primarily relate to the   and expanded teaching and research   friendly “Garden walk”.
        field of human medicine, there are clear   facilities, as well as providing better office   •   A stylish new plaza adjacent to the
        parallels to veterinary settings, where staff   accommodation for College staff.  canteen, for staff and clients to enjoy a
        happiness and the client experience are so   The project will also provide a range of   drink or some food in the fresh air.
                                            new staff social spaces and will improve   •   Alignment of key pedestrian
                                            both the staff and visitor experience   connections, with step-free access and
                                            through better wayfinding and building   improved campus wayfinding.
                                            connectivity, and enhanced planting and   •   Updated displays of RVC art and
                                            landscaping within the College grounds.  artefacts providing points of interest
                                              From the outset, the redevelopment has   and education around a bright and
                                            been about far more than just improving   spacious central atrium.
                                            our offices and laboratories.  At every   •   Upgraded site safety and security,
         A new area at Hawkshead            stage of planning, we have sought to   including improvements to exterior
                                            make our campus more cohesive, to      lighting, CCTV and access controls.
        closely intertwined.                improve accessibility, to increase social and
          While not specific to RVC campuses,   collaborative interaction, and to derive the   For College staff, there will also be:
        ageing buildings, outdated design, poor   maximum benefit from the wonderful green   •   A relaxing staff lounge and garden
        repair and a piecemeal approach to onsite   spaces that surround us.       room, centrally located to encourage
        development can all contribute to sub-  With support from our architects, all work   interaction between colleagues from
        optimal outcomes for both staff and clients.  has been guided by the applicable British   different departments.
                                                                                •   Newly refurbished office
                                                                                   accommodation with a diverse range
                                                                                   of meeting and break-out spaces.
                                                                                •   A comfortable, well-lit waiting area for
                                                                                   the shuttle bus, with adjacent seating.

                                                                                The last couple of years have made for
                                                                                a challenging construction environment
                                                                                and we still have a little way to go before
                                                                                the plans all become reality, but we are
                                                                                confident that the improvements we are
                                                                                making and will continue to make will
                                                                                benefit our community and enhance our
                                                                                reputation for years to come. For further
                                                                                information, you can contact Jo Payne via
                                                                                capitalprojects@rvc.ac.uk


                                                                                      For small animal referrals, please call:
                                                                                     01707 666399
         Drone image of the evolving Hawkshead Campus                                 Email:
                                                                                     qmhreception@rvc.ac.uk
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