Patients and staff on Amazon ward couldn’t quite believe their eyes when they used the outdoor play area this week, following the appearance of some very special jungle-themed graffiti artwork.
“We are absolutely amazed and thrilled at the effect of this new artwork,” says Zoe Wilkinson, Play Team Leader. “Everyone from staff, patients and visitors have been mesmerised by the transformation of our play area’s previously blank walls. The artists have taken everything we asked for into consideration, even including the old District Hospital site and we think it’s brilliant! Every time I see it I notice something new and this will really capture the imaginations of all the youngsters using the area.”
The graffiti was carried out by two local artists, Nathan and Jano at ‘Street Arts Hire’. “We were delighted to be asked to come and work on the children’s ward,” says Nathan. “Both Jano and I have young children ourselves so we can relate to the upset and anxiety a hospital stay could cause families. This took us three days to complete and we too are really pleased with the finished look.”
The work was funded through a £25,000 grant from by Thomas Cook, awarded earlier this year. The money will be spent on revamping the entire outdoor play area, creating calm and sensory areas as well as making all the equipment accessible for children with physical disabilities. The next part of the project will focus on installing play equipment and looking at what could be set-up for teenage patients so they can also use the space whilst staying on the ward.
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