A renovated space for the little ones
La Paz hospital has taken a significant step towards humanising its paediatric care with the inauguration of La Pajarera, an innovative space designed specifically to enhance the experience of young patients in hospital. This project, funded by the Mutua Group and the Mutua Madrileña Foundation, aims to provide a more welcoming environment tailored to the needs of young patients.
The renovation of the wing known as Pajarera, named after the sounds of birds that accompanied former students in their classes, has radically transformed its appearance. With vibrant colours and thematic decorations inspired by birds, the new design moves away from the traditional hospital environment, creating a friendlier and more stimulating atmosphere. From the moment one enters the space, the songs of birds fill the air, providing a relaxing ambiance.
The new layout includes four independent rooms designated for directed therapies, allowing patients to enjoy greater privacy and concentration during their sessions. This change is especially beneficial for approximately 4,000 children and young people who receive treatment each year at this medical centre, ranging from newborns to teenagers aged 19.
In addition to the therapy rooms, a specialised unit for sensory stimulation has been created for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). According to Herminia Ramos, deputy nursing director at La Paz hospital, this sectorisation allows for more personalised care: “Now we have facilities that we didn’t have before. This helps us provide more individualised care.”
During the official inauguration of the space, Fátima Matute, the health councillor, highlighted how such initiatives are crucial in addressing the challenges faced by both children and their families during critical periods. “It is a humanised space where illness can be managed more easily,” Matute stated.
As we move towards a more patient-centred healthcare model, such reforms are essential not only for improving the quality of medical service but also for transforming children's perceptions of their recovery process. Susana Noval, deputy medical director of the Materno-Infantil hospital, emphasised: “We aim to create positive experiences for children; we want them to remember not just their illness.”
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