Plans for aquarium in hospital entrance revealed

A 483-gallon (2,200-litre) aquarium is proposed for the upgraded entrance of Birmingham Children's Hospital, plans reveal.

The tank would be four-metres (13.1ft) tall and filled with more than 300 fish from about 61 species.

It is hoped the feature would help reduce stress and anxiety for both patients and visitors, boost mood, provide distraction and give children the opportunity to socialise.

The entirety of the hospital's entrance is being transformed by a £3m fundraising appeal called It Starts Here - which has already raised more than £2.5m.

The changes include ideas from patients, families and staff for themed areas based around the natural world, including mountains, safari, rainforests and deep sea.

The hospital said the aquarium would be the "jewel in the crown" of the new space, sitting at its centre.

Birmingham Children's Hospital Charity launched the fundraising appeal in summer 2024 because the existing entrance area had not been updated in about three decades.

It was described by the charity as "cramped, dull and unwelcoming", and not reflective of the care that took place beyond it.

"One of our key objectives was to make our patients feel less anxious about visiting our hospital," said Mark Broder, CEO of the charity.

"We wanted to transport them from a place of worry and fear, into a world of wonder, filled with awe-inspiring features that take their mind off what's ahead.

"That's exactly what our new entrance, aquarium and other exciting plans will do."

Other features of the proposed entrance include places to sit and eat, a quiet area for neurodiverse patients, screens and play areas, and a welcome desk.

A community area is also planned, where performances, holiday celebrations and drop-in activities for parents and sibling would take place.

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