Case Study
Alder Hey Children's Hospital Virtual Tour
The client
Alder Hey Children’s Hospital is one of Europe’s largest and busiest paediatric facilities, providing care to over 330,000 children and young people every year. With its vast campus and commitment to innovation in healthcare, Alder Hey consistently seeks ways to enhance patient experience and outcomes through cutting-edge solutions.
The project
Alder Hey approached us to address several key challenges faced by patients, families, and staff:
– Complex navigation across multiple departments within the expansive hospital campus
– Anxiety caused by unfamiliar medical environments
– The need to quickly process large amounts of new information
– Concerns about upcoming procedures or interactions with medical staff
They wanted a solution that would transform these challenges into opportunities for engagement, education and comfort. The goal was to create an experience that would empower visitors, reduce anxiety, and spark curiosity before they even set foot in the hospital.
Our solution
We developed a comprehensive virtual tour solution utilising Matterport’s leading 360° walkthrough technology.
The Comprehensive Capture
We conducted a thorough 360° documentation of nine key areas within Alder Hey using Matterport technology. This was achieved at weekends to minimise disruption to staff and patients.
Enhanced Interactivity in post-production
Once the virtual tour was captured and rendered, we added engaging elements such as videos, digital signage, adding menus, info hotspots and jump links to ensure the technology remained intuitive and accessible on all devices.
The Alder Hey 360 model:
https://digitaltwin.visual-eyes.co.uk/tour/alder-hey-atrium
It is front and centre on their website: https://www.alderhey.nhs.uk/
Here is the press release about it: https://www.alderhey.nhs.uk/interactive-360-virtual-map-of-alder-hey/
Future Enhancements
Our solution is designed for expansion, with our next phases already in the pipeline:
– Embedding filmed staff as avatars within the tour
– Virtual induction tours for new employees
– Personalised patient journeys triggered by appointment QR codes
The final product goes beyond traditional virtual tours, featuring:
– Wayfinding with QR code activation to enable those in the real Alder Hey to find their way around.
The impact
While the project is in its early stages, we anticipate significant positive outcomes:
– Reduced anxiety for patients and families through pre-visit familiarisation
– Improved navigation efficiency within the hospital
– Enhanced staff onboarding and training
– Increased patient engagement through interactive features
– There has been over 5000 visitors to our virtual tour in the first week of launch.
Looking Ahead
This project represents more than just a technological advancement—it’s a reimagining of how we approach healthcare experiences. By reducing anxiety, improving navigation, and engaging patients in new ways, we’re not just creating a virtual tour; we’re setting a new standard for patient care and hospital interaction.
