The two-storey Netherton Grove Extension building faces onto a quiet residential street and has been designed to sit within the context of the existing hospital building and adjoining residential properties. The design brief was to create a ‘Boutique Hotel’ ambience.

The new extension building features a redesigned and expanded ambulance parking bay at ground level. The first floor accommodates four new paediatric theatres, Children’s day surgery ward and a 12-bed paediatric high dependency unit. A 50’s inspired colour scheme influenced by a member of staff’s love of VW camper vans provides a backdrop to the whole of the first floor and is tied together with more abstract artwork by Joy Gerrard.

The second floor comprises of a new 19-bed adult ward, including all single bedrooms with ensuite facilities. It has a 10-berth day ward unit and outpatient facilities where chemotherapy and other anti-cancer therapies are provided.

The new extension faces onto a quiet residential street and has been designed to sit within the context of the existing hospital building and adjoining residential properties. An altogether more adult theme is used as the backdrop to the second floor services for adult HIV and cancer patients. The waiting areas are large and filled with natural light. Large patterned glass panels separate the waiting from clinical zones. Kartell lamps provide a contemporary feeling, and black and white movies play on the large screen TV above the fireplace.

Circles and bubbles are the main theme of the space providing a fun atmosphere in which the children can play and be engaged prior to surgery. The sweeping curves of the seating create a soft boundary to the play areas where parents can sit informally and children can be kept entertained. Older children have their own den with bean-bags and play stations.

The theme carries through to the clinical areas, where oak veneered panels replace utilitarian medical trunking and an informal layout to treatment areas, meant for the relaxation of the patients receiving chemotherapy. The rooms of the new 19-bed ward are designed with oak paneling, built-in wardrobes, hidden fridge and safe, and contemporary artwork provided by the Chelsea and Westminster Health Charity.

Core NHS funding has been enhanced by charitable contributions including a major donation by HIV patient Ron Johnson, through St Stephen’s AIDS Trust, for a large landscaped conservatory to provide a bright, airy inside space for patients. The conservatory features two large elliptical rooflights, which fills the space with natural light. It also features large planters separating the zones within the space with clusters of L-shaped sofas and armchairs. There is also a dining table for 10 persons.

The project was completed in 2012 and it took 90 weeks to complete. The total value of the project is $33 million.