Reuben Young People’s Centre opens at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital

On Friday 28 February, the Reuben Young People’s Centre at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, part of the innovative Best For You programme, formally opened thanks to a generous gift from the Reuben Foundation.  

The new Reuben Young People’s Centre 

The Reuben Young People’s Centre provides a best-in-class environment for young people to access holistic care, regardless of the reason they are at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital. 

As part of the work to redevelop the space, purpose designed facilities in both the Emergency Department and on the paediatric ward allow staff to better support young people with mental health needs.  

The ward itself has been redesigned as a calming, therapeutic, clinically compliant area. The CW+ Arts in Health Team coordinated an extensive programme of works in partnership with the Trust’s Play Team and internationally renowned architects White Arkitekter. 

The transformation aimed to make the ward more comfortable, accessible and inclusive for children and young people being cared for in hospital under West London Children’s Healthcare, which brings together specialist services for children across Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust and Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. 

Features of the new ward include:  

• Soft lighting and sensory elements, including colour-changing LED feature lighting in key areas that patients can adjust to suit their mood
• Artist-designed lightboxes in treatment areas to help distract and calm younger patients
• Built-in feature seating, including comfortable, homely (but hospital-safe) furnishings that have been chosen to provide privacy, support relaxation, and enhance wellbeing 
• Bespoke artwork, including murals and wayfinding, with links to the local area

Sarah Chin, Ward Manager, said: ‘The redeveloped ward is so much warmer and more welcoming – it’s light and bright, with little touches that make it feel less clinical and more young-person-friendly. The playroom has sensory equipment and a playhouse, and there’s a common room where young people can chill and play video games. Not one inch of the ward has been missed – CW+ has helped to create a better environment for everyone.’ 

Lesley Watts CBE, Chief Executive, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said: ‘We are so pleased to formally open the Reuben Young People’s Centre, which will transform the way we provide care. 

‘The new environment, designed in response to the needs of young people and their families, means that our dedicated staff can care for adolescents in a best-in-class, therapeutic environment that can adapt to meet the needs of every patient, including those with significant mental health needs. 

‘We are incredibly grateful to the Reuben Foundation, whose generous support through the Trust’s charity CW+ has made this transformation possible.’ 

Supporting young people’s mental health on the acute paediatric medical ward 

As well as including features to support the general wellbeing of all patients at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, the new Reuben Young People’s Centre has two rooms designed to support patients with significant mental health needs during their stay in the acute hospital setting. Four additional rooms can be used flexibly in response to demand.  

Acute hospitals across the UK increasingly need such environments. A recent article in the Lancet highlighted the substantial increase in mental health-related admissions to acute medical wards, such as the ward at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital. With more and more young people being admitted due to self-harm and eating disorders, there is a recognised need for improved environments in acute medical wards that can adapt to meet the needs of young people who are struggling with their mental health. 

Aaron McDermott, Expert by Experience Lead, North West London CAMHS Provider Collaborative, said: 

‘Spending time in hospital can be a daunting experience for anyone, but for a young person, unfamiliar surroundings can result in an overwhelming and distressing experience, often intensifying feelings of anxiety and uncertainty for both them and their loved ones. The ward environment plays a crucial role in shaping the experience of care, and traditional clinical settings can often feel intimidating.  

‘The redevelopment of the Reuben Young People’s Centre has been driven by a commitment to put young people’s needs first, creating a fresh, comfortable and supportive space. The colour scheme and bespoke artwork contribute to a calming, uplifting atmosphere, transforming the environment.  

‘Overall, the new environment has been carefully designed to foster a sense of safety and empowerment, helping young people feel more at ease and supported during their time on the ward. These spaces not only reduce stress but also offer a more positive, therapeutic experience for young people, whatever the reason for their admission to Chelsea and Westminster Hospital.’ 

The Health Services Safety Investigations Body also published a report ‘Keeping children and young people with mental health needs safe: the design of the paediatric ward’, which highlighted the need for physical improvements on acute paediatric wards. Best For You was featured as an example of innovation in the report, with mentions of some of the elements and motivations considered in the design of the Reuben Young People’s Centre. 

The spaces in the Reuben Young People’s Centre are designed to keep patients safe while including therapeutic aspects such as specialist furniture and customisable lighting. As a result, young people with significant mental health needs can be assessed in a safe, calming space that ensures their physical wellbeing while supporting de-escalation and reducing distress.