Members of Lytham St Annes Lions Club and staff from Blackpool Victoria Hospital pictured with the new ceiling artwork on the children’s ward
Young patients at Blackpool Victoria Hospital are benefiting from a colourful and uplifting environment thanks to new ceiling artwork funded by Lytham St Annes Lions Club.
The club teamed up with lighting specialists Visualite and Yesss Electrical and hospital charity, Blue Skies Hospitals Fund, to fund an illuminated ceiling in a treatment room in the paediatric ward.
Steph Holmes, Practice Education Facilitator on the Children’s Unit, said the artwork was already making a huge difference to the patient experience.
She said: “The illuminated artwork provides a really soothing atmosphere and helps relax young patients who are going through treatment.
“The artwork itself means you can provide some distraction methods to help put patients at ease and take their attention away from the treatment they are going through.
“We absolutely love it and are already looking to install more similar pieces in other areas where we treat young people. We would all really like to thank the Lions Club for their support.’’
The Lions Club provided funding towards the ceiling and other pieces of equipment including a blanket to help neo natal children suffering from jaundice after raising more than £14,000 from their annual Swimarathon last year, an event that staff from the children’s wards took part in.
Past President, Martin Chatfield, said: “The money raised from the Swimarathon always goes towards helping children and young people and we are delighted to see the ceiling in its place.
“The feedback from the staff has been amazing and it is great to know that the money raised from our event goes to such a good cause.’’
Steve Nelson, Creator at Visualite, said: “Some environments lend themselves to our Visualite system more than others and we knew this area could be transformed wonderfully with the extra light and colour they provide. We’re so pleased with the result because now patients, families and colleagues have a bright welcome into such a busy treatment room.’’
Partners at YESSS Electrical have been involved in the installation of the panels in all areas.
Chris Holmes, Branch Manager at YESSS Electrical, added: “It’s really rewarding for us to see and hear all the positive feedback about the remarkable difference the lighting effect has made.
“The feedback we’ve received from other hospital projects show that colour and light have a positive impact on reducing stress and anxiety, so we hope the environment proves to be comforting and uplifting for patients, families and NHS professionals alike.”
Kila Redfearn, Head of Blue Skies Hospitals Fund, said: “Thanks to the amazing Lions Club members and fundraisers who support the charity, we’ve been able to transform the room with some wonderful Visualite ceiling lights which are already making a massive difference.’’
Blackpool-based Facilities Management company, BFW Management Ltd (Atlas), installed the lighting. Two of their Electricians, Calum Wilson and electrical apprentice, Tom Amos, installed the lighting and Atlas’ Estates team will maintain it for years to come.