14th Mar, 2017
The New Winterton Unit NNUH
The Winterton Unit was opened on the 20th May 2014 by HRH The Duke of Gloucester. The Winterton Unit was a big expansion on previous capacity – as much as a third over the next five years. This first linear accelerator has been installed and is now being used to treat patients with cancer. The building was in a sense built with the future in mind, and there is additional space for a second linear accelerator should demand dictate making a total of six linear accelerators at the NNUH.
It was very important in the design for the new Winterton Unit to explore possibilities of environment and its link to recovery, and thereby offer something that was both reassuring and therapeutic to patients facing a difficult time in their lives. It was, in the early stages, decided that the working theme would be an exploration of ‘nature’ in this setting and how nature could soothe and re-affirm a warmer tone of life and healing.
When forming the design the idea was to incorporate a modern feel with nature, and this was provided by the colour choices and the wallpaper patterns of flora.
The seating is one of the main features of the space, and hugs the walls leading into the centre of the room.
The seats are comfortable, attractive and meet the needs of patients and NHS guidelines.
The Winterton Unit was designed to include elements of flora, wildflowers and plants from the local region that could help create a softening in the environmental tone, making the area more soothing and therapeutic as opposed to being strictly clinical. This in itself is symbolic, and the hope is to link improved environments to improved patient experiences and eventually recovery.
