This is a report on a competition held in 1993 by the King's Fund to find excellent examples of large hospital developments which were opened in Britain between 1980 and 1990. The aims for both National Health Service and independent sector hospitals were: to offer a high quality of life to patients; have an easily comprehensive layout; the capacity to accommodate frequent changes; a beautiful or at least pleasing environment; a welcoming and efficient entrance; providing patients with the freedom to be themselves; meeting the customers' needs. The winner of the award for 1993 was the Wellington Hospital (North), London which is described in this report. The commended hospitals are: surgical accommodation at the City General Hospital, Stoke; the West Dorset General Hospital, Dorchester; the Homerton Hospital, Hackney; and the Royal Brompton National Heart and Lung Hospital, London.