A vibrant and welcoming new artwork installation is helping make a visit to Redland Hospital's Lamb Ward just a little less overwhelming for children and babies.
Redland Hospital Director of Paediatrics Dougie Thomas said he and the Lamb Ward team had teamed with Indigenous artist Lauren Rogers to commission the beautiful ‘Oceans’ artwork.
"Creating a welcoming environment is an important part of the care we provide," Dr Dougie said.
"This artwork has helped make the journey through hospital feel a little less clinical and we're hoping to see more in future to help the environment feel warmer and more inviting for patients, families and our staff. "
Ngarabul Artist Lauren Rogers said the artwork represented the saltwater environment and marine life of Moreton Bay.
She said ‘Oceans' drew on the colours, movement and marine life of the waters surrounding the hospital, including dugongs, turtles, octopus and fish.
“I wanted to create an underwater world that children could move through and explore, discovering different animals and details along the way.
“It’s incredibly special to see ‘Oceans’ now living at the entrance to Lamb Ward and becoming part of the experience of children and families who come through this space.”
Acting Nurse Unit Manager Nissy Santhosh said children coming to the ward were loving the artwork’s theme.
“Children love to walk through and point to the animals,” she said. “It helps to calm and distract their minds from the hospital environment, which can seem a bit scary to them.
“They like to point out the different little animals and we really appreciate seeing it every day.”