Project background

We worked with North Bristol NHS Trust to create an animation for the public, explaining the protocols and processes involved in waiting times in the Emergency Department waiting room.

Aims of this explainer animation

The aims of the animation are to improve patient experience by offering insight and explanation for waiting times, reduce complaints, and reduce the need for PALs (Patient Advice and Liaison Service).

Creating the animation

As the animation is set in a real-world location, it’s essential for the audience that the on-screen illustrations accurately reflect Southmead’s waiting room. Rosie, the artist working on the project, worked from photos of the waiting room taken by members of staff to build an accurate background in which to place the characters.

This attention to detail ensures that the audience can recognise key locations and familiarise themselves with the waiting room so that they can get the most out of their experience. For example, if a patient is in pain, they can go to the senior nurse on reception and ask for painkillers – a service which is explained in the animation.

Recording the voiceovers

We also wanted the animation to sound as well as look accurate, so project manager Danielle visited Southmead Hospital to meet with and record the staff members.

The inclusion of a diverse range of staff members adds authenticity to the voiceovers, bringing the script to life and creating an engaging narration to complement the onscreen images.

Post-launch feedback

One very important part of our process at CC Animation Studio is asking for client feedback once an animation is out in the ‘real world’. On reaching out to the members of staff we worked with, we had some great feedback – they told us that the animation has been used as an example of ‘a good way to learn from patient experiences’, and it has been well-received by executive-level staff, as well as being a useful learning tool for the comms team to distribute.

Further information

Visit the North Bristol NHS Trust website for more information about the Trust and the healthcare it provides.