A welcoming makeover for City Hospital’s gynae oncology waiting area
Posted on: 15 Apr 2026
Charitable funding enabled a thoughtful refresh of the waiting area, led by Gynaecology Nurse Specialist Danielle Kitson.
The challenge
Patients attending the gynae oncology outpatient clinic at Nottingham City Hospital shared that the waiting area felt dark, unloved, and unwelcoming. Despite receiving excellent clinical care, the physical environment didn’t reflect the compassion and professionalism of the service. Staff wanted to create a space that felt brighter, calmer, and more reflective of the communities' patients coming from across the East Midlands.
What the grant funded
Charitable funding enabled a thoughtful refresh of the waiting area,.
Repainting the room to brighten the environment
Adding new skirting boards
Introducing plants and greenery to make the space feel more homely
Installing bookshelves to display clear and accessible patient information
Commissioning bespoke wall art featuring local landmarks such as Nottingham Castle, Green’s Windmill and Newark Castle
Measurable outcomes
These improvements represent a low-cost but high-impact transformation of a key patient space and the enhancements have resulted in:
A noticeably brighter, more uplifting environment
More accessible patient information through new shelving and displays
Increased patient engagement with available resources
A stronger sense of comfort, dignity and belonging for patients from across the region
A waiting area that better reflects the quality of care provided by the team
Staff reflections...
Danielle Kitson explained:
“Patients had shared that the space felt dark, unloved and unwelcoming, which was disappointing to hear. We provide excellent care, and we wanted the environment to reflect that.”
She added:
“We were excited to put some care into the room. It’s not a major renovation, but these changes have made a visible difference. We wanted the space to feel considered and calm.”
A member of the team also highlighted the importance of the new artwork:
“We see patients from all over the region and felt it was important that the artwork reflected that. You’ll spot Nottingham Castle, Green’s Windmill, Newark Castle and several other well-known locations on the walls.”
Danielle concluded:
“Thank you to Nottingham Hospitals Charity for enabling us to make these improvements. We now feel the space better reflects the care, compassion and attention we offer our patients every day.”
What patients and loved ones say...
Patients have responded warmly to the refreshed space:
One regular visitor shared:
“The small touches – the plants, the artwork, the fresh paint – really do lift the space. The team here are amazing, and it’s great for them to also have a more pleasant space to work in.”
Another patient commented:
“The makeover has made a huge difference to how I feel when I come in. It’s still a hospital, but now it feels warmer and more thoughtful. The artwork especially gives you something nice to focus on while waiting.”
City Hospital’s Gynae Oncology waiting area gets a welcoming makeover
Patients attending the Gynae Oncology outpatient clinic at Nottingham City Hospital are now being welcomed into a more inviting and comforting environment, thanks to funding from Nottingham Hospitals Charity.
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