WIDN blog

This prurient attitude could be one reason why rates of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are soaring in Britain; so making a clinical visit more pleasant could go a long way towards fighting the upsurge.

Last month, Lord Darzi opened Chelsea and Westminster Hospital’s new state-of-the-art sexual health centre at 56 Dean Street in Soho, which was designed and fitted out by Area Sq and seems to be a step in the right direction.

The hospital was initially looking for a more traditional scheme, but by using inputs from clinicians, managers and, most importantly, patients, Area Sq were able to balance aesthetics and users’ privacy to create a unique environment.

With creative floor finishes, leather sofas, designer wallpaper and wifi access, the new centre has been described by the NHS team as “bringing patients services for HIV and sexually transmitted diseases into the 21st century”.

Dr Alan McOwan, service director at 56 Dean Street said, “With the number of sexually transmitted infections continuing to rise we wanted to break down the stigma of visiting a sexual health clinic. We want people to feel welcome, and this unique look and feel will allow us to do that.”

And according to Dr. McOwan, the move to larger and more inviting premises has already had an effect.

“In the first month, we have seen a 19% increase compared to the number of people we saw at the Victoria Clinic, which clearly shows that people are responding positively to what we have on offer at 56 Dean Street.”

Area Sq London design director Amanda Godwin-Jones said: “Design serves multiple purposes, and in this instance, if it is getting people through the door then we have succeeded in what we set out to achieve.”

Photos courtesy of Area Sq