Audiology Clinic's New Look

The Audiology clinic at the Royal Hospital for Children has a brand-new look for 2024 thanks to a £5,000 investment from Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity. 

The hospital’s Audiology department sees over 25,000 children pass through their doors every year, and staff described the area in its previous state as ‘bland,’ ‘clinical’ and ‘not very welcoming’. 

After a Charity-funded transformation in August, the area is now awash with colour – with jungle landscapes and friendly farm animals all around for the children and young people who visit the clinics to enjoy. 

Even the youngest patients can enjoy the fun decals lower down, like the sleeping mouse nestled in long grass at floor level. 

Examining the ears and testing hearing can be an upsetting experience for children with sensory issues, and many of the visitors to Audiology also have conditions such as Autism, Down’s Syndrome/T21 or other developmental needs - which made the process of transforming the clinics into a welcoming environment one of paramount importance. 

Jim Harrigan, Head of Audiology, said: “The artwork enhancements have brightened up the Clinic 6 area and made it bright, colourful, and welcoming for a child.  

“Many of our patients have additional needs and visiting hospital can be a traumatic experience for them. Making the department more welcoming helps to reduce stress on families and professionals. 

"Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity were very helpful in sourcing the pictures and a supplier to install, which made the process easy for the Audiology Team.” 

“The enhancements have helped create an environment that is friendly and a fun place to be,” added Jacqueline, a Paediatric Audiologist at the hospital.  “Some of our test rooms look quite daunting with lots of equipment and big heavy doors, so the colourful artwork can provide a good distraction.”

Other Audiology staff describe the overhaul as “beautiful” and “inviting”, with others remarking that it has “brightened the place up” for staff and children alike. 

In addition to the department’s new look, children waiting for their Audiology appointment at the hospital can play with Science Centre exhibits in the atrium or attend a Teddy Hospital appointment to ease any anxiety – both thanks to Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity and your incredible support.