A Child’s Dream Clubhouse Provides Holistic Healing Environment

Child Life Clubhouse Renovation

Wilmington, DE

The Child Life staff at Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware serves the health system by providing emotional support, developmentally appropriate activities, education and preparation for medical procedures, academic instruction, and holistic interventions to promote healing. To provide the best care possible, the Department of Child Life, Creative Arts Therapy and School Programs had a vision to enhance the suite of resources and play spaces that formed the Clubhouse environment. The planning team utilized an Integrated Facility Design approach that brought all stakeholders together to conceptualize the vision through a partnership between staff, parents, and patients. The design team gathered further input by observing the existing Child Life areas in operation and conducting interviews with multiple parties associated with the treatments, educational resources, and events. A key element of EwingCole’s design includes a welcoming entrance open 24 hours a day with aesthetics to transport children and families out of the hospital setting. A closed-circuit TV Studio builds community partnerships allowing visits from sports figures, musicians, and other celebrities. The new kitchen area enables families to cook with their children and have celebrations. Spaces designed to accommodate childhood activities for all ages include arts and crafts and messy play, a dramatic play/stage area for performances and events, dedicated reading and safe space for young children, teen gaming activities, a sensory playroom, and art and music therapy studios. The completed Clubhouse holds an exclusive distinction of creating a destination for patients and families in the hospital.