Attending appointments with a child or adolescent can be stressful and nerve-wracking.
To help improve the experience of children, young people and their families, Tayside Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) has undertaken an extensive plan of improvements, including the spaces where children, young people and their families are seen for appointments.
Having made progress within its Centre for Child Health using research, consultation and co-design methods, CAMHS sought to continue ongoing improvements to the waiting areas, treatment rooms and corridors at its neighbouring site, Dudhope House.
While Scottish Government funding had allowed for a painting and decorating refresh and artwork/murals at the Centre for Child Health (CCH) site, there was insufficient funding to provide the same update to Dudhope House.
And the difference had been noted.
Feedback suggested the clinic and waiting areas at Dudhope House were below the standard expected by the public, with clinical, uncomfortable seating, poor layouts and a cold decor.
Oonagh McPherson, Senior Nurse, explained, “We had made some great improvements to the Centre for Child Health, including Dundee-inspired artwork by local artist Lewi Quinn, a fresh coat of paint that highlights the artwork’s vibrant colours, and the addition of bright, comfortable new furniture
“But, because of the noticeably different environments, children and families were having very different experiences across both buildings. Equity is important to us as a service and Dudhope House did not reflect the environmental standards we hoped to achieve or that our patients deserved and wanted.”
After being recommended to approach NHS Tayside Charitable Foundation for funding, Oonagh approached the charity and applied for a grant, with CAMHS successfully awarded just under £10,000.
With the funding, the team carried out a full painting and decorating refresh at Dudhope House, added new murals featuring Louis’ artwork, and brought in additional furniture, transforming the space into a more comfortable and inclusive environment.
Oonagh continued, “It was also about creating an identity for CAMHS, so you know you’re in CAMHS regardless of which building you’re in. When we first commissioned the artist, we tapped into the views and wishes of some of the young people who helped us shape the colours and the language. It’s been great to now extend that into Dudhope House’s waiting area, treatment rooms and corridors, and to make the spaces as good as they can be.”
Thanks to the funding, CAMHS has created bright vibrant areas in which children and young people, families and other visitors can feel comfortable and engaged.
Oonagh explained, “These improvements have transformed our environment into a space that strengthens therapeutic relationships, encourages engagement, and boosts attendance. It’s now a fun, welcoming, and reflective space that truly represents who we are as a service. Designed in collaboration with our children, young people, and families, the new setting feels warmer and more inviting across both sites, while still ensuring the vital sense of safety and privacy.”
Feedback from young people and their families has been overwhelmingly positive.
The new furniture and artwork have been noticed and appreciated, with many saying these changes have significantly improved their experience in the building.
Comments include:
- “It looks great.”
- “So much more welcoming.”
- “I really like the colours in the graphics.”
- “Very welcoming. As an art teacher, I thought the graphics were fantastic.”
The changes have also had a marked effect on staff, with 94% of respondents surveyed reporting a positive impact on their workplace.
