The Creative Health Hub has unveiled a new Calm Corner featuring a ‘Little Library’ at Gold Coast University Hospital, designed to offer patients, families and staff a quiet retreat in the heart of the hospital.
The Calm Corner provides a welcoming space where people can “take a book, leave a book, share a book,” while also finding a moment to rest and recharge. The initiative forms part of Gold Coast Health’s Creative Health Hub program, which is dedicated to improving health outcomes and wellbeing through the arts.
“This was a previously underused space, but with its breeze, natural light and views across the parklands, it felt like the perfect spot for the Calm Corner,” said Creative Health Project Officer Laura Strange (pictured).
“It’s a space for staff, patients and visitors alike to pause, rest and reset.”
Located in the F Block walkway near Spiritual Care Services, the Calm Corner transforms an underused corridor into a calming retreat. Alongside the Little Library, staff are encouraged to use it as a breakout space, made welcoming through the inclusion of a rug featuring First Nations artwork and a forthcoming donated painting from a local artist.
Dr. Dumindu Witharana, Inpatient Medical Director for Gold Coast Mental Health and Specialist Service and Clinical Lead for the Mood Disorder Service (pictured), said the addition of the Calm Corner shows how small, thoughtful changes can have a big impact.
“Creating calming, human-centred spaces like the Calm Corner is vital in a busy hospital. These small pockets of comfort give patients, families and staff the chance to pause, reset and feel supported, which ultimately enhances both wellbeing and recovery,” he said.
The Calm Corner was developed by the Creative Health Hub in response to feedback from patients and staff about the need for more inviting, humanising spaces, building on the success of the Book Nook at Robina Hospital.
The project reflects growing evidence around the role of arts and creativity in healthcare. Research from the World Health Organisation and the Australasian Health Facility Guidelines shows that creative environments can reduce stress and anxiety, shorten hospital stays and improve staff morale.
Gold Coast Health’s Creative Health Hub has already seen these benefits through a wide range of programs, from live music in foyers and rotating art exhibitions to murals in staff spaces and creative workshops for patients.
Surveys show that patients and visitors who encounter these programs report that they improve their hospital experience, while staff describe the initiatives as making their work environment feel “less clinical” and “more supportive.”
The Calm Corner featuring a Little Library is now open for all patients, visitors and staff to enjoy at Gold Coast University Hospital.
