Countess of Chester Hospital unveils new play areas coming soon

The Countess of Chester Hospital has unveiled a series of innovative new play areas in its Women and Children’s Building, set to open this summer.

These play zones are designed to transform the hospital experience for young patients, reflecting the latest research on how play supports healing and wellbeing. 

The new spaces mark a significant shift in paediatric care, prioritising children’s emotional, social, and physical needs. With input from local families, the building design also incorporates the latest understanding of how play can reduce stress, support the management of pain, and speed up recovery, aiming to make hospital visits less stressful for both children and their parents. 

As part of the design process, children from Mill View Primary School had the unique opportunity to co-design the paediatric play balcony. Their creative ideas, submitted at the beginning of the year, have now come to life in this space, providing a place for imaginative play and relaxation. 

Mrs. Ali Gibbons, Headteacher of Mill View Primary School, Chester, said:

“Our students have had a chance to shape their local hospital by designing play spaces that reflect their own ideas and needs. Seeing those ideas come to life has been incredibly rewarding. One day, they or their peers may need this hospital, and I hope they will take pride in knowing it was built with their thoughts in mind. This experience could also inspire some to pursue careers in healthcare, design or construction – and perhaps even return to work in the very space they helped design, right here in Chester.” 

[Watch the video of children from Mill View School as they see their designs come to life for the first time]  

Pippa Scott-Heale, Divisional Director for Women and Children’s Services at the Countess of Chester Hospital, said:

“We know that hospital stays can be overwhelming for children. These spaces have been designed to help children feel more relaxed and empowered to heal through play. Families told us they wanted more play-based environments, and we’ve created an atmosphere where children can be children again, even in a healthcare setting. We are extremely grateful to the children who have helped us to design this space.” 

The new Women and Children’s Building will feature: 

• A co-designed play balcony for creative play 

• An outdoor maternity ward balcony for fresh air and stunning views 

• Three indoor play zones, including a sensory room 

• A peaceful neonatal garden and a sibling space 

• A quiet lounge space for teens with games  

• Play corners in waiting areas 

These new features reflect the hospital’s commitment to supporting not just physical health but the emotional wellbeing of young patients and their families. With calming internal courtyards and sunny, open spaces, the hospital is creating a more welcoming environment for families to focus on healing.

Pippa added:

“The new design reflects our commitment to paediatric care for the future. It’s not just about today’s needs but about shaping how we care for children in the years to come.”

The new Women and Children’s Building will open this summer, offering a fresh, supportive space for Chester families. With a focus on both physical and emotional wellbeing, this new chapter in paediatric care is designed to meet the evolving needs of local children – and to ensure the next generation of families in Chester feels truly supported during their hospital visits. 

Pictured - Pupils from Mill View School: From left to right: Benjamin Rowlinson, Isla Harris, Ali Ireland, Conaire Atkinson, Thomas Elliott.

Watch the video of children from Mill View School as they see their designs come to life for the first time.