Health Development by ORMS Architects in South Wales, UK, Europe
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Teenage Cancer Trust Unit Cardiff
7 Jul 2009
ORMS's revolutionary 'skypad' unit designed for young cancer patients opens in Cardiff
Unique, eye-catching and innovative, the new Teenage Cancer Trust unit in Cardiff was opened by Sarah, Duchess of York last week. Designed by ORMS Architects and Designers, the £3.4m new build is a dedicated cancer unit that creates a specialised environment for young people who fall between adult and paediatric cancer care.
More than 2,000 teenagers each year are diagnosed with cancer and they have a better chance in their fight against the disease if they are treated in an environment tailored to their needs. The new 'Skypad' is designed to give young people an environment more akin to a boutique hotel than a hospital ward, and therefore the very best chance of a positive outcome.
ORMS Director, John McRae explains
"We have designed a teenage penthouse- in consultation with the nurses and patients. There are places to eat, places to be alone and places to be together with mates. The right environment vastly improves the young patients mental outlook which studies have shown aids healing."
In addition to wards and treatment rooms the Skypad includes a freestanding chill out pod, a 'den', and a stylish kitchen/dining area next to a landscaped balcony with wonderful views. Within the ward areas there are floor to ceiling graphics and beds with individually controllable micro-environments. The beds allow the young patients to choose a lighting colour which matches their mood, decide on the level of privacy, connect to the internet and control the heating and cooling around their own space. Unsightly medical equipment is hidden but accessible in specially designed cupboards.
Simon Davies, Teenage Cancer Trust's Chief Executive said
"Skypad is an incredibly ambitious project but the support we have received from ORMS has been phenomenal. We are incredibly excited to see the unit up and running and are confident that our patients, their families and unit staff will find it a very positive environment."
Tom Dimond, a young patient undergoing treatment, explains what he likes about 'Skypad'. "It doesn't feel like being in hospital. It makes having treatment a lot easier as I'm not focusing on the treatment - there's other things happening and I can ignore it."
The unit is located within the University Hospital of Wales and is the first facility of its kind in the country.
Teenage Cancer Trust Unit Cardiff images / information received 070709
Teenage Cancer Trust Unit Wales - Project Team:
Architect: ORMS Architecture Design
Client: Teenage Cancer Trust (TCT) and Cardiff and Vale NHS Trust
Development Advisor/ Quantity Surveyor: Derwent London
Project Manager: Jackson Coles
Structural Engineer: Price & Myers
M&E Engineers: AECOM
Contractor: Cowlin Construction
Contractors Architect: Stride Treglown Ltd
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Teenage Cancer Trust Unit Cardiff Building : page - adrian welch / isabelle lomholt
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