St Thomas’ Mall

Solution

Although it enjoys a world-class location facing the Houses of Parliament on the Thames, St Thomas’ Hospital suffered from a shabby and confusing entrance, lobby and common parts. The Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust asked tp bennett to address these failings, and the practice set about improving circulation, easing congestion, transforming the reception and waiting areas and vastly improving the catering and retail offering – the latter crucial to the Trust’s finances as well as to patient and staff wellbeing.

A hospitality rather than clinical style was adopted. Orientation routes were re-evaluated, with signage and feature lighting designed to assist with wayfinding. The restaurant had an excellent setting but suffered from poor light and underdeveloped views of the river, so a sensitive glazed extension was designed to enhance the setting and revitalise the catering offer. This new entrance and facilities helped St Thomas’ to raise its status as a hospital of choice.