Projects by HE INTERIORS

ICU REST Project at The Royal Free Hospital, Hampstead

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ICU REST Project at The Royal Free Hospital

The ICU REST (Resilience and Emotional Support Areas) Project was commissioned by the Royal Free Charity and delivered by HE Interiors in collaboration with Oander. Its purpose was to create high-quality restful break-out spaces for ICU staff who worked under extreme pressure during the COVID-19 pandemic. The brief included refurbishing five staff break out and rest areas within the ICU, installing new furniture, kitchen facilities, enhanced storage, home comforts, and creating a “wobble room” — a sanctuary to help staff recharge mentally and emotionally. Decorative touches such as light fittings designed to mimic natural scenes, colourful design details, and specially wrapped cupboard doors were used to soften the environment. The project was funded via the charity’s COVID-19 appeal, and delivered with close engagement with ICU clinical staff to ensure it met their needs.

Project Highlights

Delivered as part of the Covid-19 response — to support ICU staff well-being during and after the height of the pandemic.

Scope of Works:

Refurbishment of five staff break-out/rest areas within the ICU.
Installation of new furniture, kitchens, instant hot water taps.
Larger fridges, additional storage, and staff lockers for personal convenience.

Well-being & Comfort Focus:

Created a “Wobble Room” — a dedicated space for staff to relax, decompress, support each other.
Special lighting features imported from America to mimic natural light, provide false windows with woodland / countryside scenes overhead ceilings, blue skies, blossom etc., to help staff feel removed from the ward environment.
Vinyl wraps on riser cupboard doors introducing colour and positive visual elements.

Stakeholder Engagement:

Project was led by Oander on behalf of the Royal Free Charity, working closely with ICU matron, the staff, and charity representatives to ensure the spaces delivered what was needed.

Funding & Motivation:

Funded by Royal Free Charity’s COVID-19 appeal.
Motivated by the need to provide emotional support and physical rest environments for staff working long, stressful shifts.

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