Work starts to transform our Children’s Hospital to start – main entrance to close
Work to transform the front entrance of our Children’s Hospital, supported by our Charity and generous supporters through the £3million It Starts Here Appeal, will start on Saturday 26 July.
The project, which is expected to be completed by summer 2026, will turn the space, last updated more than three decades ago, from being cramped, dull and unwelcoming into an area that reflects the world-class care that takes place beyond it.
Feedback from our families has shown the transformation will also ease worry, fear and anxiety, vastly improving the experience of our children, young people and families.
Whilst the work is taking place, the hospital’s main entrance on Steelhouse Lane will be closed.
We’re asking our patients, loved ones and visitors to use alternative entrances and exits via:
- Matron’s Garden, which is near Whittall Street/Steelhouse Lane junction and clearly signed as you approach our site. Available to use 7am – 7pm, Monday to Sunday.
- Waterfall House, on Whittall Street, opposite the Royal Angus NCP Car Park.
Please note, there is no change to the access routes for our Emergency Department (Parson’s House, including Ward 15).
To ensure everyone knows of the change a host of communication and messaging is in place, including directly via text message, as well as via our Trust website and social media channels.
All signage, both inside and outside of our hospital has been updated to reflect the changes and volunteers will be on hand to help people navigate to our wards and departments.
Once completed, our new front entrance will be more child-friendly and feel less daunting.
It will be a space where those we care for and their loved ones, can go to decompress or spend some time with their children before or after appointments. It will help make our hospital a more fun, enriching and joyful place to be – easing stress and anxiety.
Daljit Athwal, Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer, said: “We’ve been clearly told by our children, young people and families that our current main entrance is far from ideal, offering a first impression of our hospital that simply doesn’t fit with the care that goes on across our wards and departments.
“This project will change all that and, importantly, help ease any fear or trepidation for those we care for when first entering our hospital. After more than 30 years since being upgraded, this work will make a huge difference.
“Thank you to our Charity and the generosity of all its supporters for allowing us to be able to move forward with our ambitions.”
For more information on the project, information about entrance and exit points and how to get around our hospital for your appointments or visit a loved one, please visit our dedicated Trust website section.