We fund projects that improve the look, feel and function of hospital spaces – creating calm, welcoming environments that support recovery, ease anxiety, and provide comfort for patients, families, and NHS staff.
We work closely with University Hospital Southampton to identify areas most in need of improvement. From waiting rooms and treatment areas to family spaces and staff rooms, your support helps ensure the hospital environment reflects the exceptional care being delivered every day.
How we improve spaces
Through our Improving Spaces programme, we fund a wide range of projects – from full refurbishments to simple updates that have a big impact.
- Full refurbishments – We redesign and refresh entire rooms and departments with modern lighting, furniture, artwork and layout changes to create something truly special.
- Light-touch upgrades – Even small changes like repainting, replacing flooring, or adding comfortable seating can dramatically improve the feel of a space.
- Art installations – From murals and framed artwork to digital ceiling panels, we use creative solutions to make clinical spaces feel more personal, calming, and human.
Where we’re making a difference
Hospital environments can play a powerful role in recovery, comfort and wellbeing. That’s why we prioritise improvements to the spaces people use most.
- Waiting areas – We fund improvements to colour schemes, seating and decoration to create calm areas for those waiting between treatments.
- Treatment rooms – We support enhancements that reduce the clinical feel of treatment areas, like adding murals, colour, or digital ceiling tiles to help patients relax during procedures.
- Family & relative rooms – These quiet spaces offer a sanctuary for loved ones. By improving décor and facilities, we help make them feel more like home during long or difficult stays.
- Discharge lounges –We’re improving spaces where patients wait to go home, helping make those final hours in hospital more comfortable and less stressful.
Your support in action
The Oak Room: A place for families to say goodbye
In life’s most difficult moments, having a quiet, private space can mean everything to a family.
Thanks to your donations, we helped fund the refurbishment of The Oak Room, a bereavement suite within Princess Anne Hospital at University Hospital Southampton. Designed in partnership with clinical staff and bereaved families, the space provides a calm, private environment for parents facing the devastating loss of a child.
Soft lighting, gentle artwork, and non-clinical furnishings make it feel calm and respectful. It includes a private entrance, bathroom, and space for families to be together in their own time.
When not being used for bereavement care, the room also provides a quiet place where families can stay overnight, helping them remain close to their baby when it matters most.
This space has made a lasting difference for families during their most difficult moments, and shows the power of a thoughtfully designed environment.
“When the door is closed you can’t hear any of that ward noise, it’s like you’re off the unit completely. No matter what is happening out there in intensive care, the soundproofing means there is still a sense of calm. This has been so important for grieving families, as it can be painful for them to hear babies crying after losing their little one”
Lynnette Pickett, Nurse Team Manager
Creating a calmer space for grieving families
Thanks to your support, Southampton Hospitals Charity funded a full refurbishment of the adult and children’s mortuary viewing rooms – transforming them into spaces that feel more respectful and comforting.
Working with specialist artists, the project introduced thoughtful design, calming lighting, supportive seating, and carefully selected artworks to create a more serene and welcoming environment for grieving families. The updated spaces also offer greater emotional and sensory accessibility.
Feedback from visitors and staff has been overwhelmingly positive, with over 85% saying the refurbished rooms feel significantly more dignified and peaceful.
By supporting this work, you’re helping us build a hospital that doesn’t just treat illness, but also looks after the human experience – with dignity, warmth, and care.