Children’s reclining chairs, Rainbow Ward

28 APRIL 2026

Thanks to generous funding from York & Scarborough Hospitals Charity, the Rainbow Ward at Scarborough Hospital has transformed the experience of young patients by introducing four new reclining chairs to the Child Assessment area.

Before the introduction of the new chairs, children attending appointments were typically placed in a single clinic room and treated on a hospital bed. While practical, this setup often created unnecessary worry for young patients, who associated being in a bed with being admitted as an inpatient. It also separated them from the more social and open environment of the ward.

The new reclining chairs have changed this completely. Located in the open Child Assessment area, they provide:

A calm, welcoming space where children can sit comfortably during their treatment

A less clinical atmosphere, reducing anxiety and improving the overall experience

A seating option that can recline fully, allowing children to relax or rest as needed

The addition of the chairs has had an immediate and meaningful impact on care delivery. Children can now undergo procedures, monitoring, or blood tests in a setting designed for comfort rather than formality. This has helped reduce stress for both patients and their families, creating a more positive and reassuring environment.

A member of the team shared that the new setup has “made an enormous difference to how children feel when they come in for treatment,” noting that the relaxed atmosphere supports both emotional wellbeing and smooth clinical care.

Thanks to supporters of York & Scarborough Hospitals Charity, hundreds of children will benefit from this improved space each year.